Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA 2009!

The event was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kristen, an aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington, was granted a year’s use of a New York apartment. She will also have her own public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.

The 22-year-old beauty will represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas this coming August.

Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, was named first runner-up.