LAS VEGAS (AP) –Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Boston resident, has helped the United States of America win the 2012 Miss Universe pageant after more than 10 years of anticipation. The newly crowned Miss Universe is a student at the Boston University and she is a fervid cello singer.
Olivia Culpo surprised her family when she told them last year that she was going to take part in the Rhode Island competition. They were all skeptical at first, but seeing her win the first stages of the competition made them realize that their daughter could have a chance. And she did. The 20-year-old student won the 2012 Miss Universe pageant bringing the diamond encrusted crown back to the United States.
The last time the famous beauty pageant was won by an American participant was in 1997. Back then, it was Brook Lee who was crowned Miss Universe after competing against some of the best-looking women in the world.
This year, Olivia had to compete against 88 women representing various nations. Miss Philippines and Miss Venezuela were the favorites of the evening, but Miss USA managed to turn the odds in her favor and took the title from the outgoing champion, Leila Lopes of Angola.
Culpo chose a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice for the pageant’s opening number. During the swimsuit competition she donned a purple and blue bikini, whereas for the evening wear test she wore a wintery red velvet gown. At the end of the contest, the American model released an interview for reporters telling them that she was glad she could represent her country at such an important international event. She further added that she hopes the Miss Universe crown “will raise everybody’s spirits a little” in the wake of the recent tragedies that have affected the country.
Miss Universe 2012 was held in Las Vegas this year. The show was broadcast live on NBC and streamed in more than 100 countries. Among the judges who voted for the girls were also singer Cee Lo Green, “Iron Chef” star Masaharu Morimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.
