Miss Universe in Shreveport as Miss USA pageant

By: Christian Henson

Updated: May 17, 2018 10:48 PM CDT

Shreveport, La. - The Miss USA 2018 pageant preliminaries continued in Shreveport at George's Pond at the Hirsch Coliseum.

The 51 contestants participated in the bathing suit and evening gown portion of the preliminary round.

Miss USA, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, offered some advice to the contestants and possible future Miss Universe. She said "Just be yourself. You were born to be great. You were born to stand out. Don't try and fit in. Be unapologetically yourself because that will show on that stage and I just wish her all the best. Its going to be one wonderful journey and I can't wait to meet her."

NBC Six's Lauren Vizza is Miss Louisiana USA and her mom, Michele Odom, said she is very proud of her but also very proud of Shreveport. She said "I hope everybody comes out to meet all these people from around the country. People from Hawaii and Alaska are here. They've never been to the South, let alone Shreveport Louisiana, so this is our time to shine."

The Miss USA Pageant airs Monday May 21st at 7 p.m on FOX 33.

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