Miss Olivia Culpo of USA wins Miss Universe 2012

Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo (C) is congratulated by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss America 2012 during the Miss USA pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in
Las Vegas, Nevada June 3, 2012.

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On Wednesday night, Olivia Culpo became the eighth American to win the Miss Universe beauty Pageant.

The 20-year old native of Rhode Island took the crown after a suspenseful evening that many thought would be won by Miss Philippines Janini Tugonon. Culpo showed off her beauty throughout the night as she went from a purple and blue bikini to the red velvet gown in which she accepted the high honor. When asked about her regrets late in the competition, Culpo stated that she wished she had not picked on her siblings.

Culpo was born on May 8, 1992 and her parents Susan and Peter brought her and her four siblings up in Edgewood, Rhode Island. Both of Culpo's parents began their careers as musicians and from second grade Culp began to study the cello. She participated in the Rhode Island Youth Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Bay View Orchestra, Rhode Island All-State Orchestra, and even the Boston Youth Orchestra as a cellist. During her musical career she has played at such major venues as the Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. She currently studies at Boston University and has aspirations to be in Film and Television.

Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo (C) is congratulated by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss America 2012 during the Miss USA pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada June 3, 2012.

Culpo won the Miss Rhode Island 2012 pageant and was then sent to compete in the Miss USA 2012 competition on June 3rd. She won the title and was commemorated on July 6 in Cranston Rhode Island. Five months later, she is now considered the most beautiful woman in the world.

Culpo's victory also ends a drought for the United States who last saw a winner in 1997 when Brook Lee took the prize. Other Americans to win the prize include Miriam Stevenson (1954), Carol Morris (1956), Linda Bernent (1960), Sylvia Hitchcock (1967), Shawn Weatherly (1980), and Chelsi Smith (1995).