Idaho's first placement at Miss USA came in 1964 with Dorothy Johnson, the first African-American semi-finalist. Their second placement came in 1997 when former Miss Idaho Teen USA and Miss Teen USA 1989 Brandi Sherwood placed first runner-up. She later became the first woman to be crowned both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA when she succeeded winner Brook Lee who became Miss Universe.
Idaho's inaugural participation at Miss USA happened in 1964 with Dorothy Johnson, a trailblazing African-American semi-finalist. Their subsequent appearance in 1997 saw Brandi Sherwood, a former Miss Idaho Teen USA and Miss Teen USA 1989, secure the second-place spot as first runner-up. This milestone led to her historic double crowning as both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.