Miss USA 2017: List Of Past 10 Winners Of The Beauty Pageant

Americans are only a few hours away from knowing who will be their new Miss USA 2017. Last year’s winner Deshauna Barber will be passing on the crown to this year’s winner.

With hours to spare, let’s take a look at the past 10 Miss USA winners.

Deshauna Barber, 2016: The 27-year-old Georgia native created history by becoming the first woman actively serving in the U.S. to win the Miss USA title. Before winning, she was asked if Pentagon's order to let women take part in combat roles had “put political correctness over our military's ability to perform.”

To this Barber replied: “As a woman in the United States Army, I think it was an amazing job by our government to allow women to integrate into every branch of the military. We are just as tough as men. As a commander of my unit I am powerful, I am dedicated, and it is important to recognize that gender does not limit us in the United States Army."

Olivia Jordan, 2015: Miss Oklahoma Olivia Jordan was crowned the Miss USA 2015 after beating out 50 contestants. During the question-answer round, the Oklahoma native talked about race relations in the U.S. and said there was a need to improve dynamics. She also said she would like to see Oprah Winfrey and Harriet Tubman on the $10 bill.

Nia Sanchez, 2014: Miss Nevada, who had a fourth-degree black belt in taekwondo, was announced Miss USA 2014. She was asked about the security the pageant contestants receive during the competition. Sanchez said felt secured with the fact that she is a black belter, but added that she was fine with the security guarding her.

Erin Brady, 2013: The Connecticut native worked as a financial accountant and earned a finance degree at Central Connecticut State University in 2010. She also minored in criminal justice. During the competition, Brady, who witnessed alcoholism in her family, said planned to be an advocate for children of addicts.

Olivia Culpo, 2012: Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo was won the title Miss USA 2012 after she was asked if it would be fair a transgender woman is named Miss Universe.

“I do think that would be fair,” Culpo answered. “But I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road.”

Alyssa Campanella, 2011: The California native was crowned Miss USA 2012. She answered a question related to marijuana legalization.

"Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today's economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically," she said at the time. "I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it's abused today, unfortunately, so that's the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it's OK."

Rima Fakih, 2010: Lebanon-born Miss Michigan Rima Fakih became the first Muslim to win the Miss USA title. Following her win, she was asked on stage how she felt about being crowned Miss USA 2010, Fakih said: "Ask me after I've had a pizza."

"I feel great. Thanks for hiring me, Donald Trump," she said of the then co-owner of the Miss USA pageant.

Kristen Dalton, 2009: Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA 2009 after beating out 50 other contestants.

“It feels really natural,” Dalton said of her win. “I’ve worked [so hard to] be here and this has been my lifelong dream and it’s finally here. And whoever knew you could win in a turquoise gown?”

Crystle Stewart, 2008: An entrepreneur from Texas, Crystle Stewart was named Miss USA. At the time she ran a party-planning and motivational speaking company. She said at the time she wanted to commit her life to international philanthropy.

Rachel Smith, 2007: Rachel Smith was the second Tennessean to be crowned the Miss USA title. She joined Columbia’s Lynette Cole as the only Tennessee’s representatives to win the title in the pageant’s 55-year history.