Miss USA Wins 2012 Miss Universe

For the first time in fifteen years, an American has won the title of Miss Universe. Olivia Culpo from Rhode Island received the honor of the coveted tiara on Wednesday night. Filled with emotion, the twenty year old cried as other contestants placed the crown on her head during the televised event held in Las Vegas.

“What an honor! This night was dream come true. Thank you everyone for your support tonight! USA finally did it,” Culpo exclaimed on her Twitter page after the announcement. She beat out 88 contestants to take the crown on behalf of America. Miss Philipines, Janine Tugonon, came in second place.

Culpo earned the Miss USA crown in June through her efforts of emphasizing the importance of music education. She has been a cellist for 13 years and performed at Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

An American has not received the beauty pageant since 1997.

Shanika Simmons