Miss USA 1974 was the 23rd Miss USA pageant, televised live by CBS from Niagara Falls, New York on May 18, 1974.
| Miss USA 1974 | |
|---|---|
 Miss USA 1974 Karen Morrison the day after her victory | |
| Date | May 18, 1974 |
| Presenters | Bob Barker |
| Venue | Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center, Niagara Falls, New York |
| Broadcaster | |
| Entrants | 51 |
| Placements | 12 |
| Winner | Karen Morrison Illinois |
| Congeniality | Donna Thornton  Vermont |
| Photogenic | Barbara Cooper New York |
The pageant was won by Karen Jean Morrison of Illinois,[1] who was crowned by outgoing titleholder Amanda Jones, also of Illinois.
Judges included psychologist Joyce Brothers, actor George Peppard, football player Paul Hornung, fashion designer John Weitz, and Sylvia Hitchcock, who won Miss USA 1967 and Miss Universe 1967.[1]
Morrison was the fourth woman from Illinois to win the Miss USA title (a record at the time), and went on to place as a semi-finalist at Miss Universe 1974. Coincidentally, first runner up at Miss USA 1973 was Miss New York. It happened again at Miss USA 1974 when Miss New York (Miss USA 1973 & Miss USA 1974 held in New York) was first runner up with both winner from Illinois.
Results
Placements
| Final Results | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss USA 1974 | |
| 1st Runner-Up | |
| 2nd Runner-Up | |
| 3rd Runner-Up |
|
| 4th Runner-Up |
|
| Top 12 |
|
Special awards
| Award | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Amity (Congeniality) | |
| Miss Photogenic |
|
| Best State Costume |
|
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Illinois Girl Captures Crown In Miss U.S.A. Beauty Pageant". The Times Recorder. United Press International. May 20, 1974. p. 9. Retrieved 25 July 2023.