State's streak stops at 2

Oklahoma contestants won the Miss America crown two years in a row, but there was no third time charm for the Sooner State on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Miss Oklahoma Makenna Smith, 24, didn't make it into the semi-finals announced early in the Miss America Live! Pageant that aired Saturday on TLC.

Kirsten Haglund celebrates Saturday after being crowned Miss America 2008 during the Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino in Las Vegas. ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miss America 2007, Oklahoma's Lauren Nelson, who was dressed in a red evening gown, welcomed the crowd and contestants to the updated, trendy pageant held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Smith made a brief appearance as contestants came on stage in dark jeans, bright tank tops and big earrings.

The semi-finalists in the 2008 pageant added a spicy look to the once staid competition. The women showed lots of cleavage during the swimsuit portion of the event.

The talent portion was shortened, as well as the usual countdown leading up to the announcement of the winner.

Later in the show, Nelson, who had changed into an elegant white gown, told the audience, "It truly has been a year I will never forget. Thanks to all of you.”

Just before Nelson crowned Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund as Miss America 2008, she was asked if she was ready to relinquish her crown.

"No, but I guess I'll have to give it up,” Nelson said.

source: http://newsok.com/