NEW ORLEANS — 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,” Brady said. “The countdown has begun.”

Brady, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, relinquishes her crown Sunday when the 2014 pageant competition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, selects a new Miss USA.

During her tenure, Brady said she’s worked hard to break stereotypes about pageants and the women who compete in them. A graduate of Central Connecticut State University in finance, Brady said after her reign ends she plans to return to New York and pursue a job that can use her knowledge to serve a global market.

“We’re very intelligent women with great personalities,” she said.

The women have been in Louisiana’s capital city for more than a week, preparing for the contest that will propel one of them to the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

“I’m so blessed and so happy to be here,” said Miss Idaho Yvette Bennett. “It’s been so magical and amazing. Everyone’s been so nice and welcoming.”

NBC will broadcast Sunday’s competition at 8 p.m. in a three-hour show that will include musical performances by country music hit-makers Florida-Georgia Line, rapper Nelly and Louisiana native Marc Broussard, whose set will include an appearance by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Fans also will have the chance to save their favorite contestant during the evening gown competition through Twitter.