來自田納西州的21歲女孩蕾切爾·史密斯在2007年美國小姐選拔賽中封后。史密斯畢業于貝爾蒙大學新聞系，參選“美國小姐”以前，她曾在美國著名的“奧普拉·溫弗里秀”電視節目組實習，是一名“新聞小姐”。圖為去年“美國小姐”得主塔拉·康納輕輕把王冠戴在了史密斯的棕色長發上。

Rachel Renee Smith, Miss Tennessee USA 2007, is crowned by Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner after winning the Miss USA 2007 pageant on Friday, March 23, 2007, in Los Angeles.[AP]

Rachel Smith, ajournalism graduatefrom Tennessee, was crowned Miss USA on Friday,edging out50 other aspiring beauty queens in a contest to replace a titleholder whose reign was nearly marred by a scandal.

Smith, 21, of Clarksville, Tenn., graduated from Belmont University andinternedlast year for the production company behind "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were vying to succeed Miss USA Tara Conner, who entered rehab after accounts surfaced suggesting she wasboozingat New York clubs. The episode might have cost the Kentucky native her crown, but Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC, gave her a second chance.

The telecast didn't shy away from the controversy, opening with a string of news and interview clips about Conner's woes. Then, the 21-year-old blonde emerged wearing a strapless, ruffled gown, and appeared on stage.

"It has been the most unforgettable year of my life and I'm back, and better than ever," Conner said to wild applause from the audience at the Kodak Theater.

Smith edged out top finalists Meagan Yvonne Tandy of California; Cara Renee Gorges of Kansas; Helen Salas of Nevada; and Danielle Lacourse of Rhode Island.

（Agency） 

Vocabulary:    

journalism graduate:  新聞系畢業生

edge out:以微弱優勢超過或勝過，如：The downhill racer edged her opponent out on the middle stretch.（下坡滑雪賽的選手將她的對手慢慢擠出中央跑道。）

intern:實習

booze:尋歡作樂，酗日無度，泡吧

（英語點津陳蓓編輯）