Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss USA 2012 at the 61st annual Miss USA Pageant held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, June 3 (June 4 morning in Manila). The pageant was hosted by Bravo's Andy Cohen and E!'s Giuliana Rancic.
The 20-year old Boston College student strutted gracefully with her purple swimsuit and gown but what really made her snatch the crown was her response to the final question which reads, "Would it be fair if a transgender woman won the Miss Universe title?"
"I do think that would be fair, but I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road...There are so many people who have a need to change for a happier life. I do accept that because I believe it's a free country," said Olivia Culpo to the delight of the crowd.
Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether end as runner-up followed by Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte, Miss Nevada Jade Kelsall and Miss Georgia Jasmyn Wilkins, to complete the Top 5.
Olivia Culpo will represent USA in the forthcoming Miss Universe 2012 pageant later this year. She will compete against the Philippines' Janine Mari Tugonon on the said pageant in December.
Watch last year's queen Alyssa Campanella crowned Olivia Culpo in the video below. Also present in the coronation night is reigning Miss Universe, Leila Lopes.
Photo courtesy of upi.com
