Photos: Jeff Simizu/Brazilian Paper

The reigning Miss Minas Gerais (and a strong contender for the title of Miss Brazil 2009) Rayanne Morais was the hostess for the "Miss Brasil USA 2008" pageant, held in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center – NJPAC - Newark (NJ) in November 8, when she shared the stage with TV personality Renan Leahy.

Selected among 41 candidates, the winner was Gabriela Brant, a 23 years old student and babysitter from Philadelphia. Finalists included Bianca Adriane, 15, the first runner-up, and Keilla Colombo, the second runner-up. The new Miss Brasil USA was crowned by Heloísa Alves, the 2007 winner.