Alabama Beauty Queen Crowned Miss America
From Times Wire Reports
Miss Alabama Deidre Downs, who put off medical school to compete for the Miss America crown, won it Saturday night in Atlantic City.
Downs, 24, of Birmingham, Ala., competed against 51 other women in a spiced-up version of the 83-year-old pageant that included a one-on-one showdown between the last two contestants.
Downs, who sang “I’m Afraid This Must Be Love” for her talent routine, bested Miss Louisiana Jennifer Dupont, who performed a jazz dance for hers.
Miss North Carolina Kristin Elrod was second runner-up, followed by Miss Arkansas Lacy Fleming and Miss California Veena Goel.