A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and self-described “cellist-nerd” named Olivia Culpo brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday.
A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and self-described “cellist-nerd” named Olivia Culpo brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday.
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Culpo smiled as she was crowned Miss Universe by predecessor Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011. The Rhode Island native beat out 88 other beauty queens from six continents at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip to take the title.
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Culpo strutted in a purple and blue bikini during the swimsuit portion of the pageant. She is the daughter of two professional musicians. She grew up in Cranston and spent her summers at band camp.
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Culpo donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline during the pageant. Culpo’s coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.
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Culpo stood with hosts Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic. After winning the title of Miss Rhode Island, Culpo began studying current events on flashcards to help her compete for the Miss USA crown, no doubt helping her during the question portion of the pageant.
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The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas was alive with excitement.
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Hosts Cohen and Rancic were all decked out for the event.
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Miss USA Olivia Culpo stepped out as she was named one of the final 16 contestants during the show.
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The top five contestants, from left, Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus; Miss USA, Olivia Culpo; Miss Australia, Renae Ayris; Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon; and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero; standing together during the Miss Universe competition.
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Train singer Pat Monahan is flanked by Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, left, and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, right, as he performs during the show.
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Culpo, right, reacting as she was announced the new Miss Universe over first runner-up Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon.
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Culpo was swarmed by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss Universe 2012.
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Miss China Xu Ji Dan posed with hosts Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic after receiving the Best National Costume award.
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Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus, during the evening gown portion of the competition.
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Miss Australia Renae Ayris was escorted by Australian singer/songwriter and dancer Timomatic during the Miss Universe pageant.
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Renae Ayris, Miss Australia, smiled in her swimsuit during the competition.
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From left to right, Miss Australia, Renae Ayris ; Miss Russia, Elizabeth Golovanova; Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus ; and Miss France, Marie Payet, stood together during the competition.
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Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero in her swimsuit.
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Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, struck a pose in her evening gown.
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Melinda Bam, Miss South Africa, walked the stage during the swimsuit portion of the Miss Universe competition
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Miss Universe Organization co-owner Donald Trump performed during the opening of the show.
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Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon, with a hand on her hip, modeled her swimsuit.
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Miss Universe contestants on stage during the competition.
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Miss Hungary, Agnes Konkoly, in her swimsuit.
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Miss India, Shilpa Singh, smiled for the crowd during the competition.
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Miss France, Marie Payet, posed in her evening gown during the competition.
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Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus in her swimsuit.
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Miss Russia, Elizabeth Golovanova, during the evening gown portion of the competition.
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Miss Mexico, Karina Gonzalez, took center stage when she was named one of the 10 finalists.
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Miss France Marie Payet walked the stage during the swimsuit competition.
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Miss Australia, Renae Ayris, in her evening gown.
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From left to right, Miss Australia, Renae Ayris ; Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon; and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero stood together on stage.
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Miss India, Shilpa Singh, in her swimsuit.
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Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, spoke to the audience wearing a yellow gown.
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Donald Trump posed with Culpo at a news conference after she was named the new Miss Universe.
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