Miss India Ekta Chaudhary's battle for the coveted Miss Universe 2009 crown came to an end on Monday morning, as she crashed out of the pageant and failed to make it to the top 15.

Miss USA was chosen on Sunday as one of the top 15 finalists who will be vying for the Miss Universe crown. Kristen Dalton joins contestants from the following countries: Puerto Rico, Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Kosovo, Australia, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Croatia and Venezuela.

The 15 finalists appeared in bathing suits. The final 10 will be chosen before the evening gown segment and the final five will take questions from the judges.

A winner will be crowned by the reigning Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela.

The televised event includes musical performances by Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.

Hosts are Billy Bush, co-anchor of "Access Hollywood," and Claudia Jordan, former Miss Rhode Island USA who has appeared on several TV shows. Judges include actor Dean Cain and supermodel Valeria Mazza.