2017 Miss USA: Kára McCollough crowned winner; second year in a row that Miss D.C. has won Miss USA

May 14, 2017

by Estelle Marine

Kára McCollough, a 25-year-old scientist at the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, was crowned the winner of Miss USA 2017 in a ceremony held on May 14 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. McCollough’s victory makes it the second year in a row that Miss District of Columbia has won the Miss USA title. McCollough replaces 2016 Miss USA Deshauna Barber.

Coming in second place in the Miss USA 2017 competition was Chhavi Verg, Miss New Jersey. Third place went to Meredith Gould, Miss Minnesota.

Fox had the U.S. telecast of the show, which was hosted by Terrence J and Julianne Hough. Ashley Graham served as backstage host.

The judges were TV personality Carson Kressley, “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai,  former Miss Minnesota contestant Halima Aden, transgender activist/author Janet Mock, Crisis Text Line founder Nancy Lublin and Miss Universe 1997 Brooke Lee. Rap artist Pitbull featuring Stephen “Skip” Marley and country singer Brett Aldredge were the event’s musical performers.

It was clear that McCollough was one of the early frontrunners, since she was prominently featured in promo videos for the pageant. During the telecast, the announcer also mentioned that she was considered one of the smartest USA contestants to be in the pageant. McCollough mentioned several times in interviews and on stage that one of her main goals was to encourage more female participation in science.

In the question portion of the pageant, McCollough was asked, “Do you think affordable health care for all U.S. citizens is a right or a privilege and why?” She answered that it was a privilege. “As a government employee, I am granted healthcare.  And I see firsthand that for one to have healthcare, you need to have jobs. So therefore, we we need to continue cultivate this environment that we’re given the opportunity to have jobs as well as healthcare for all American citizens worldwide.”

Top 10 Miss USA 2017 Contestants

Kára McCollough, Miss District of Columbia USA (winner)

Chhavi Verg, Miss New Jersey USA (second place)

Meridith Gould, Miss Minnesota USA (third place)

Whitney Wandland, Miss Illinois USA (Top 5 contestant)

Megan Gordon, Miss South Carolina USA (Top 5 contestant)

Allee-­Sutton Hethcoat, Miss Tennessee USA

Hannah Lopa, Miss New York USA

India Williams, Miss California USA

Alyssa London, Miss Alaska USA

Bayleigh Dayton, Miss Missouri USA