Tara Conner was on hand to crown her successor, Rachel Smith from Tennessee, at the Miss USA pageant on Friday night.

Smith, a journalism graduate, beat out 50 other beauty queens for the right to follow in Conner's footsteps as Miss USA. The 5-foot 11 inch brunette from Clarksville, Tennessee, managed to overcome stiff competition from top finalists Meagan Yvonne Tandy from California; Cara Renee Gorges of Kansas; Helen Salas of Nevada; and Danielle Lacourse of Rhode Island, who is the first runner up.

The new Miss USA stated that she was excited to take over for Conner and that she was ready for the challenge. Smith also commended Conner for her role as Miss USA and how she handled the challenges she faced during her reign.

Conner, who entered rehab during her stint as Miss USA, after reports surfaced about her partying and alleged alcohol abuse, almost lost her crown due to the scandal. Luckily for her, Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC, decided to give her another chance.

The winner of Miss USA is crowned wtih a custom diamond and pearl crown designed my Mikimoto, that is valued at $200,000; as well, the reigning Miss USA gets to reside in a New York City apartment and tour the globe representing the Miss Universe Organization.