VIDEO: First Look at 2015 MISS USA; Preliminary Competition Now Underway

As families of the 51 MISS USA contestants arrived in Baton Rouge, the preliminary competition was underway to select this year's 15 semi-finalists. These Top 15 winners will be announced during the live broadcast Sunday, July 12, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Paula M. Shugart, president of the MISS UNIVERSE Organization, welcomed the parents, family and friends who arrived for the competition, noting, "This year's contestants are an amazing group of young women who have already accomplished so much. They have overcome obstacles and made sacrifices to get to where they are today, knowing that the MISS USA event, is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will forever shape the course of their lives. We are delighted to welcome their families, who have given their unfailing support throughout the process, here to Baton Rouge." The contestants were able to see family and state directors after Wednesday night's show. Watch the opening of the preliminary show.

Judges for the preliminary competition included INSIDE EDITION Entertainment Manager Alison Taub, communications executive BJ Coleman, President/Executive Producer of the People's Choice Awards Fred Nelson, and Louisiana based fashion and lifestyle blogger, Jennifer Palpallatoc. Like this Sunday night's show, the preliminary competition was streamed live on www.missusa.com.

The 2015 MISS USA Pageant will telecast LIVE on Sunday, July 12 from The Baton Rouge River Center at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on REELZ Channel. Find REELZ in your area by visitingwww.reelz.com. The pageant will also be streamed LIVE on www.missusa.com.

ABOUT MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

The MISS UNIVERSE Organization (MUO) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be "Confidently Beautiful." The MISS UNIVERSE, MISS USA, and MISS TEEN USA beauty pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, our winners are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about Miss USA's official cause to raise awareness for breast and ovarian cancer education and prevention please visit: www.missusa.com.

Follow Miss USA:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissUSA
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/MissUSA
• Twitter and Instagram: @MissUSA

Video - http://youtu.be/aZT_a3CKFQE

SOURCE The MISS UNIVERSE Organization

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