This was the second consecutive year that the pageant was held in Baltimore, although the venue changed from the Hippodrome Theater to the larger 1st Mariner Arena.[3][4] Delegates arrived in the city on 2 April 2006, and were involved in three weeks of events, appearances and preliminary competitions before the final competition.[4] This included a trip to New York City to attend a book launch for The Miss Universe Guide to Beauty and make media appearances on Regis and Kathy, The Early Show and Total Request Live.[5][6]
There were two sets of judges: one for the preliminary competition (held on April 14), and another for the final night of competition (April 21). The latter judges decided who won the Miss USA title.
Preliminary judges
Jeff Kimbell – businessman involved in lobbying, political strategy, real estate, and entertainment.
Kerry Cavanaugh – North American brand manager for CoverGirl cosmetics.
Arnold Williams – manager of Abrams, Foster, Nole & William (based in Pennsylvania) since 1993.
Robb Merrit – Vice President of a commercial real estate developer based in Baltimore, MD.
Rhona Gaff – Vice President at the Trump Organization and is best known as the woman who rings Apprentice candidates each morning to give candidate their directions.
^"Miss Kentucky crowned Miss USA, will compete in Miss Universe". Associated Press. 2006-04-22.
^White, Tanika (2007-04-22). "Pageant brings glamor to city - and a crown for Kentuckian". The Baltimore Sun.
^"Baltimore to host 2006 Miss USA pageant". Associated Press. 2005-11-22.
^ abcWhite, Tanika (2006-04-02). "Miss USA charms city, again: Contestants arrive today as pageant returns to Baltimore in a bigger venue". The Baltimore Sun.
^Arterbery, Andrea (2006-04-21). "New book provides universal guide to beauty". Women's Wear Daily. p. 10.
^White, Tanika (2006-04-17). "Taking their charm to the Big Apple: Miss USA hopefuls' star-studded trip includes meeting Trump". The Baltimore Sun.
^"Lachey to co-host Miss USA pageant in Baltimore". Associated Press. 2006-03-24.
^Burris, Joe (2006-04-25). "Fewer viewers, but young watch pageant". The Baltimore Sun.
^Cox, Rose (2006-04-16). "Beauty queen defies the mold; MISS ALASKA USA: Harley-riding hunter ready for pageant". Anchorage Daily News. p. B6.
^"Miss North Los Angeles USA, Tamiko Nash Crowned Miss California USA(R) 2006 During Live Event on September 11, 2005". ENP Newswire. 2005-10-05.
^Roberson, Laura (2007-04-17). "Homegrown beauty: Mosley grad to compete for Miss USA title". The News Herald.
^Goad, Meredith (2006-03-30). "Dreams of Miss USA title started early and haven't ended yet". Portland Press Herald. p. D17.
^Slajda, Rachel (2005-11-21). "CROWNING MOMENT; Braintree woman wins Miss Mass.; Will compete in Miss USA pageant". The Patriot Ledger. p. 1.
^"Lapeer woman crowned Miss Michigan USA". Associated Press. 2005-07-18.
^Francis, Delma (2006-04-17). "Ambition takes local woman to Baltimore". Star-Tribune. p. 10E.
^Wilder, Mark (2005-12-18). "Miss Missouri has local roots". Times-News.
^Szalewski, Susan (2005-10-10). "UNL marketing major, Ralston senior win pageant crowns". Omaha World-Herald. p. 02B.
^"Las Vegan prepares for Miss USA pageant". The Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2006-04-20. p. 6E.
^"U. New Mexico student wins state beauty pageant". UWIRE. 2005-11-01.
^Shutz, Christ (2006-01-07). "Ex-tomboy to compete in Miss USA". The Daily Oklahoman.
^"Miss Oregon USA is Medford resident". Associated Press. 2005-12-05.
^Lefever, Nicki (2006-03-30). "Suburban graduate competes for Miss USA title". York Daily Record.
^"Grissom crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2006". Associated Press. 2005-10-08.
^Alvis-Banks, Donna (2006-04-07). "Tech Student plans to win Miss USA title". Roanoke Times & World News.
^"Pageant Winners Crowned". The Capital Times & Wisconsin State Journal. 2005-10-18. p. D2.
^Bouchette, Ed (2006-04-11). "Ward to help judge Miss USA pageant". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. E-8.