The judges were racing driver Jeff Gordon, businessman Jerry Buss, basketball player John Salley, actor Mekhi Phifer, chef Rocco DiSpirito, and fashion designer Jill Stuart.

Finnessey was crowned by outgoing Miss USA Susie Castillo, of Massachusetts.

[1] Pageant co-owner Donald Trump opened the pageant by telling Castillo "You're fired", his catchphrase from his television program, The Apprentice.

[1] The pageant was hosted by Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell.

Following the new format established at Miss Universe 2003 and Miss Teen USA 2003, the top fifteen semi-finalists were reduced to ten after the evening gown competition, and then to the final five after swimsuits.