Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady Talks Celebrity Crush, Being A Role Model, And More After Being Inducted Into Ride Of Fame

Erin Brady, the recently crowned Miss USA 2013, took a Ride of Fame aboard a CitySights NY double-decker bus with a lucky group of fans and the press on Monday in New York City after becoming the mobile monument’s newest “imminent” honoree. The 25-year-old beauty showed off her favorite places in the Big Apple, which include Central Park and the FAO Schwarz Flagship store.

Brady is the latest stunner to win the prestigious Miss USA competition, beating out 50 other contestants to earn the coveted crown. Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant took place June 16 in Las Vegas, and the South Glastonbury, Conn. native won after taking over the stage in a white sparkly gown. She also showed off her amazing body in an orange bikini during the swimsuit competition. But in addition to beauty, Brady also proved she is intelligent, after answering a question regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold widespread DNA tests. When asked, she said she agreed with the decision.

The new Miss USA is already getting well-adjusted to her new role. While she works as an accountant, she will take a year off to tackle issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, after revealing that her family struggled with alcoholism.

During an interview with International Business Times, Brady spoke about everything from the other Miss USA competitors, to her fiancé, to her celebrity crush.

IBT: What is your main objective as Miss USA 2013?

Brady: I just want to show people that they can make a difference and they can be a role model to everybody. And I think for myself I’ve really gone through a lot of different things in my life for me to be able to share a positive story and have a positive influence on a lot of people.

IBT: You are engaged, you’re off the market. Sorry boys. So tell us about the wedding and the type of bride you want to be.

Brady: You know I’ve actually put everything on hold so I haven’t been in bride mode but I’m really excited to just start that chapter in another year from now.

IBT: How do you want to be remembered in history?

Brady: I just want to be that one girl from Connecticut that made an impact to a lot of people and was the first one to bring a crown home to Connecticut.

IBT: How did you prepare for the Miss USA pageant? What was the hardest part?

Brady: So really being up on the worldly news and being able to speak comfortably in front of people was a huge component. Being comfortable in your own skin because you’re up against 50 of the most beautiful women in the country is definitely one of the harder parts. I think for me the hardest part was just really taking the first steps out into stage. Once that nervousness was out of your system, it was just a breeze from there. I really enjoyed myself. I took the time to get to know everyone of the girls in the competition which I think really made it an easier time for me.

IBT: Are you still in touch with any of them?

Brady: I am! I should be seeing a few of them in Cancun at the end of the month...I can’t wait.

IBT: How does it feel to be an influence on young girls?

Brady: It’s really amazing. I’m the oldest of three girls so I do have younger sisters that have idolized and looked up to me my entire life and it’s so great to have it on a much broader scale and you don’t even realize going day-to-day that you do have such an impact on people and it’s things like this [event] that really show it and make it a great experience.

IBT: What is a piece of advice you would give for a person who is having a bad day?

Brady: I would just say sit, breath, believe in yourself, and remember that there are always people who have it worse than yourself and it will always get better.

IBT: What has been the coolest part so far of this whole experience?

Brady: I would have to say just living in New York City. Moving here and being a part of the hustle and bustle day-to-day has been quite an experience. I’ve always wanted to live in NYC and so now I get to do it as Miss USA. It’s just been an unbelievable experience. It’s great...it’s really, really fun.

IBT: Who is your celebrity crush?

Brady: Mark Walhberg...he’s been my celebrity crush forever.