2014 Miss USA Preliminary Competition HD Pictures

On Thursday, all 51 contestants will interview with judges to complete the preliminary competition. The top 20 will be chosen following the preliminary events and announced on Sunday.

Miss USA Erin Brady can't believe her yearlong reign is coming to an end while a new journey for one of the 51 women seeking to replace her is just beginning.

'It's less than a week away now,' the 26-year-old said in an interview with The Associated Press. 'The countdown has begun.'

Miss Brady, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, relinquishes her crown Sunday when the 2014 pageant competition being held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, selects a new Miss USA. Preliminary competitions in swimsuit and evening gown were scheduled for Wednesday at the Baton Rouge River Center.

Miss Tennessee USA Kristy Landers Niedenfuer attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Anna Marguerite Hara attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition at The Baton Rouge River Center.

Miss Idaho USA Yvette Deleon Guerrero Bennett attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Connecticut USA Desiree Perez attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Alyson Guidry attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Alyson Guidry attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss New York USA Candace Kendall attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Oregon USA Emma Pelett attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Rhode Island USA Christina Palavra attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

Miss Washington USA Allyson Maureen Rowe attends the 2014 Miss USA preliminary competition.

(AFP Photo)