It’s not surprising that Brandie Cazimero has musical talent since it definitely runs in her bloodlines. The 26-year-old beauty queen’s great uncles are Robert and Roland, otherwise know as the Brothers Cazimero.

In fact, Cazimero, Miss Hawaii USA 2012, won the talent competition at her first pageant, Miss East Oahu, by playing the saxophone. She took up the instrument in elementary school and continued with it at Kamehameha Schools, where she played in the marching band and graduated in 2003.“When I was a senior in college (at the University of Hawaii), I started picking it up again and decided to use it for my talent,” she said. “It was a huge accomplishment for me to be onstage by myself. I was used to playing in a band, so it was kind of nerve-wracking.”

On Sunday, Cazimero will take a break from her duties as a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant to represent the state at the Miss USA pageant. But she’ll have to do it without her saxophone, since talent will not be a part of the lineup this time around. That’s not a problem for her, though.

“It’s one less thing to worry about,” she said. This competition involves evening gown, swimsuit and interviews, with a platform on breast cancer awareness and involvement with the USO. The winner will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant.

Cazimero’s earliest memories of pageants are of watching them with her grandmother when she was a young girl. She recalls lying on the living-room floor watching as the contestants, in their princesslike attire, graced the stage.

These memories may have sparked her passion for fashion. Cazimero studied fashion design and business, and hopes to move to Los Angeles to further her education in design.

“I plan to build my own brand and then return home to Hawaii,” she said.

A couple of weeks ago, pageant activities took Cazimero to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Contestants visited Trump Tower and met Donald Trump, and also made appearances on talk shows and local news stations.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m taking advantage of all the opportunities,” she said. “We were told that you are more likely to have a son in the NFL than a daughter compete at Miss USA.”