Miss USA, Olivia Culpo has been crowned Miss Universe! The competition took place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 61st edition of the Miss Universe pageant which is owned by real estate and media mogul Donald Trump, was broadcasted live on NBC.

Many hosts and tv-personalities that we all know and love filled the room. To host this year’s event was E!’s Giuliana Rancic and Bravo’s Andy Cohen.

Judges were Diego Boneta, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Scott Disick, Nigel Barker, and Brad Goreski, Claudia Jordan, Pablo Sandoval, Lisa Vanderpump, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete.

This bombshell 20-year-old is from Rhode Island is now the only titleholder from her state to be crowned Miss Universe. Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether was the first runner-up, second runner-up was Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte and third runner-up was Miss Nevada Jade Kelsall.

After the show, she said, “It’s such an honor to be representing the USA in an international beauty contest in spite of all the tragedy that’s happened in this country lately. I really hope that this this will raise everybody’s spirits a little.”

Below is Olivia Culpo’s background from the Miss Universe website:

Both of Olivia’s parents began their professional lives as musicians and raised her in a musically rich surrounding. She began studying the cello in the second grade and from there participated in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, RI Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Bay View Orchestra and Rhode Island All-State Orchestra. Olivia also won a seat in the Boston Symphony Hall, Boston; Carnegie Hall, New York City; and a tour of England in 2010. Until recently, Olivia was performing with the Boston Accompanietta.

Olivia, who has called herself a “cellist nerd,” graduated with high honors and a member of the National Honor Society in 2010 from St. Mary Academy Bay View. Throughout high school, Olivia’s love for Italian language gave her the opportunity to take part in two foreign language programs in Milano, Italy. As a sophomore at Boston University, she has been placed on the Dean’s List every semester. Olivia will place her education on hold while performing her duties as Miss USA for the next year.
An admirer of Audrey Hepburn, Olivia keeps a journal of the actress’s quotes and even resembles the classical beauty. Shortly after being crowned, Olivia serenaded her press conference attendees while singing one of her favorite Audrey Hepburn songs, “Funny Face,” from the 1957 film. The day after her win, she arrived in New York City where she will reside as Miss USA. During her reign, Olivia will serve as a spokesperson for breast and ovarian cancer and will work closely with organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda’s Club. She will also work with the USO as part of the Miss Universe Organization’s dedication to supporting our troops.