Nia Sanchez, Miss Nevada, Crowned Miss USA 2014

A 24-year-old from Vegas, Nia Sanchez (Miss Nevada), who has a fourth-degree black belt in the Korean martial art of taekwondo, was crowned Miss USA 2014 on Sunday night. Nia beat out 50 contestants from all the states and District of Columbia and got the much desired title of the 63rd Miss USA. Erin Brady of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, the 2013 winner, gave up her crown to Sanchez from the Baton Rouge Civic Center in Louisiana. Nia Sanchez will represent the U.S. at the Miss Universe competition later this year.

Celebrity judges in beautiful long gowns and tuxedos, walked the red carpet, posed for pictures, and talked about the qualities they’re looking for in a beauty contestant to be crowned Miss USA. Among other qualities, the most important they look for, are: confidence, the right attitude, perseverance, and having a great time and enjoying being in the pageant.