22-year-old Asya Danielle Branch wearing the sash of “Miss Mississippi” was crowned “Miss USA” ending a lavish weekend of pageantry at Graceland, the former home of rock legend, Elvis Presley, in Memphis, Tennessee. The weekend highlights started with the crowning of 18-year-old Ki’ilani Arruda of Hawaii as “Miss Teen USA.” But it was Asya’s victory, winning the “Miss USA” crown and title that raised some eyebrows and sent pageant fans into a frenzy. She is the first delegate from Mississippi to win the “Miss USA” title; she’s also the first Black delegate to represent Mississippi and of course, Asya follows last year’s winner Cheslie Kryst, another Black Queen to wear the “Miss USA” crown, making it a Black to Black victory. On hand for the competition, and participating in the crowning ceremony was the current “Miss Universe” Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa. Asya will represent the USA in the upcoming “Miss Universe” pageant slated for the first quarter of 2021.

RUNNERS-UP

Asya edged past her closest rivals; “Miss Idaho” Kim Layne, a dynamic Filipino-American, who placed second, and “Miss Oklahoma” Mariah Jane Davis, who placed third. Rounding out the top five court of Queens were unfavorable choices “Miss Indiana” Alexis Lete and “Miss Alabama” Kelly Hutchinson in fourth and fifth positions – a big surprise of the night because the firm favorites of the pageant “Miss New York” Andreia Gibau and “Miss Florida” Monique Evans did not make the top five. Actually, “Miss Florida” did not even make it into the top ten semi-finalists. 

NO MALE JUDGES

The contestants paraded in casual introductory, caped catsuits (in honor of Elvis Presley), swimsuits, and evening gowns before a panel of all-female judges billed as a “selection committee.” They were: Fox Nation host, Abby Hornacek; entrepreneur Gloria Mayfield Banks; sports reporter and Miss USA 1999, Kimberly Pressler; businesswoman Susan Yara; Miss USA 2000 Lynette Cole and CEO of `It’s a 10 Haircare & Be a 10 Cosmetics’ Carolyn Aronson. The delegates made two appearances before the selection committee, first In preliminary competition, and three days later for the grand finale’. The delegates also had one-on-one interviews with the selection committee before the finals. 

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

The new “Miss USA” is a graduate from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She also attended Harvard University Summer School at 17 years old and claims that experience totally changed her life. Asya became a model, dancer, life coach, and trendsetter. Her obsession with make-up has led her to own her own cosmetic line called `Branch Beauty.’ Not bad for a small-town girl from Booneville, Mississippi, sixth in a row of eight siblings who describes herself as adventurous and compassionate, and has a keen interest in prison reform.

PORSCHE

Among Asya’s many prizes are a brand new Porsche car, the new Mouwad jeweled crown, and a move to live all expenses paid, to New York City for her year’s reign. She will be sharing a luxury apartment with the current “Miss Universe” where she will work with the various Miss USA causes and initiatives, traveling the US, making appearances, and participating in photoshoots.  

22-year-old Asya Danielle Branch wearing the sash of “Miss Mississippi” was crowned “Miss USA” ending a lavish weekend of pageantry at Graceland, the former home of rock legend, Elvis Presley, in Memphis, Tennessee. The weekend highlights started with the crowning of 18 year old Ki’ilani Arruda of Hawaii as “Miss Teen USA.” But it was Asya’s victory, winning the “Miss USA” crown and title that raised some eyebrows and sent pageant fans into a frenzy. She is the first delegate from Mississippi to win the “Miss USA” title; she’s also the first Black delegate to represent Mississippi and of course, Asya follows last year’s winner Cheslie Kryst, another Black Queen to wear the “Miss USA” crown, making it a Black to Black victory. On hand for the competition, and participating in the crowning ceremony was the current “Miss Universe” Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa. Asya will represent the USA in the upcoming “Miss Universe” pageant slated for the first quarter of 2021.