USA wins Miss Universe 2012 in Vegas!

The 61st annual Miss Universe pageant took place on December 19, 2012 at the PH Live, Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada where a worldwide audience of approximately 1 billion viewers tuned in.

Emerged as this year's winner was the home country girl, Olivia Culpo representing the USA, bringing back the crown after they've last won back in 1997. She grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island as the middle child of five and comes from a family of avid musicians. She and her siblings each play different instruments and she is an accomplished cellist. Her other interests include watching movies, visiting museums, attending concerts, and making people laugh.

Olivia was crowned by last year's titleholder Leila Lopes from Angola. Hosting the event was Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live,” host Andy Cohen together with “E! News” anchor Giuliana Rancic. Jeannie Mai of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?” provided behind-the-scenes commentary throughout the live telecast which was televised by NBC and Telemundo. Three-time Grammy-Award winning band, Train, and Australian Singing and Dancing Sensation, Timomatic served as guest performers.

Finished closely as the 1st run-up was Janine Tugonon from the Philippines. 2nd run-up was Venezuela's Irene Esser. 3rd run-up was Renae Ayris from Australia and finally, the 4th run-up place went to Gabriela Markus of Brazil.

Completing the top 10 semi-finalists who competed in the Evening Gown competition were: Russia, Elizabeth Golonova; France, Marie Payet; Hungary, Agnes Konkoly; South Africa, Melinda Bam; and Mexico, Karina Gonzalez.

Contestants who competed in Swimsuit competition and completing the top 16 quarter-finalists were: Turkey, Cagil Ozge Ozkul; Peru, Nicole Faveron; Poland, Marcelina Zawadzka; Croatia, Elizabeta Burg; Kosovo, Diana Avdiu; and India, Shilpa Singh.

An expert panel chose the delegate they thought best exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera and awarded her as Miss Photogenic was Miss Kosovo, Diana Avdiu. She received $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

Chosen by her co-candidates as the one who is the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational. The Miss Congeniality award was given to Guatemala's Laura Godoy Calle. She also received $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

The Best in National Costume winner was voted by fan's online. And the winner is Ji Dan Xu, Miss China.

As the new Miss Universe 2012, Culpo will receive a fabulous prize package:

- A year supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems
- A custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus
- A shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry
- Evening wear wardrobe by Sherri Hill
- Swimwear wardrobe by Kooey Australia
- A year supply of makeup products from MAC
- A year supply of sun care products from Australian Gold
- A one-year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy
- Luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses
- A year-long salary as Miss Universe
- Personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon
- Modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha
- Dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher
- Professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.
- Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
- Extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners
- Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties
- A year-long consultation with a fashion stylist; and access to a personal appearance wardrobe.

See also Miss Universe 2012 Complete Coverage