Miss USA 2001 was the 50th Miss USA pageant, held on March 2, 2001 at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. Kandace Krueger of Texas won the title, crowned by outgoing Miss USA Lynnette Cole of Tennessee. William Shatner hosted, with color commentary by Tommy Davidson, Vanessa Minnillo, and reigning Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta. Entertainment was provided by Lara Fabian, Evan and Jaron, and The Warren Brothers. It was the first time the pageant was staged in Gary.