Miss USA contestants prepare to take stage

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- Contestants are preparing to take the stage in the Miss USA pageant, putting behind weeks of controversy generated by Donald Trump's comments about Mexican immigrants.

The pageant co-owned by Trump takes place Sunday night in Baton Rouge for the second year in a row.

Trump's comments bashing Mexican immigrants during his presidential campaign announcement sparked a backlash against the business tycoon.

Broadcasters, judges and performers pulled out of the pageant.

Reelz television stepped in to air the contest, and a slew of former winners from Miss USA and Miss Universe are standing in as judges.

Contestants are judged in three categories: evening gown, swimsuit and a personality interview.

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