Miss Kentucky USA

In 2006, it was reported that Miss Kentucky USA 2002, Elizabeth Arnold, was in a relationship with celebrity Nick Lachey. That same year Tara Conner became the first Kentucky delegate to win the Miss USA title, putting Kentucky in the top five for the second consecutive year, after Kristen Johnson placed 2nd runner-up in 2005. She later came under intense scrutiny when it was revealed that she had been drinking underage, tested positive for the use of cocaine, and kissed Miss Teen USA Katie Blair, among other things. Conner was allowed to keep her title, but was ordered into rehab for one month. After her rehab session, she resumed her reign until her year was completed. In 2008, Miss Kentucky USA Alysha Harris was involved in an incident involving photos in which she was photographed dancing with New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss in a manner some saw as sexually suggestive. ==Results summary==

Placements • Miss USA: Tara Conner (2006), Elle Smith (2021) • 1st runners-up: Connor Perry (2024) • 2nd runners-up: Kristen Johnson (2005) • 3rd runners-up: Julie Andrus (1965) • 4th runners-up: Johanna Reid (1964), Patricia Barnstable (1971), Lisa Devillez (1980), Kristina Chapman (1982), Maria Montgomery (2009) • Top 6: Tiffany Tenfelde (1990), Angela Hines (1992) • Top 11/12: Carol Wallace (1975), Mitzi Jones (1995), Katie George (2015) • Top 15/20: Mary Ann Stice (1953), Marcia Chumbler (1961) Kentucky holds a record of 17 placements at Miss USA. Awards • Miss Congeniality: Julia Pinkley (1968), Connie Clark (1976), Kia Hampton (2011) • Miss Photogenic: Robyn Overby (1985) • Best State Costume: Charlesy Gulick (1974) == Winners ==

;Color key 1 Age at the time of the Miss Kentucky USA pageant ==References==