Miss Tennessee becomes Miss USA

Rachel Smith, my home state girl, has stepped up from just being Miss Tennessee to becoming Miss USA! 

Ladies from all 50 states and the District of Columbia battled it out on Friday night to see who would succeed Tara Conner. 

Conner of course has made history as the Miss USA who evidently had a drug and alcohol problem spending a portion of her reign as Miss USA in rehab.

"It has been the most unforgettable year of my life and I'm back, and better than ever," Conner said to a supportive crowd.

Rachel Smith, 21, is a graduate of Belmont University and a former intern for the production company behind "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

"I'm speechless at this point, I really am," Smith said after the pageant.

Here's to the new Miss USA.  Stay off the nose candy and out of rehab!  Make Tennessee proud!