Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Boston University sophomore, has won the Miss Universe crown, bringing the title back to the United States for the first time in over a decade.
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Boston University sophomore, has won the Miss Universe crown, bringing the title back to the United States for the first time in over a decade.
Olivia Culpo beat out 88 other beauty queens to take the title from Leila Lopes of Angola during the two-hour competition at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Olivia Culpo wore a red velvet gown with a plunging neckline in the final round.
Olivia Culpo poses for the camera as she celebrates her victory.
Ms Culpo's coronation ends a long losing spell for the US in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. The last Miss USA to win the title An American was Brook Lee in 1997.
Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, was first runner-up, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, was second runner-up.
The new Miss Universe is hugged by all the contestants after her victory.
Olivia Culpo's win came despite tripping slightly during the evening gown competition. It was pointed it out by TV journalists but they also noted her poised recovery.
Olivia Culpo, being crowned the new Miss Universe by Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes, of Angola.
Olivia Culpo hugs first runner-up, Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, after being crowned Miss Universe.
