<p> Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Rhode Island native, beat 88 other beauty queens from around the world to be crowned as Miss Universe 2012 in a gala ceremony in Las Vegas.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Philippines' Janine Tugonon was adjudged the first runner-up followed by Venezuela's Irene Esser.<br /><br />Culpo, who grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and dreams of making it big in showbiz, has brought the title back to the US after a decade. Brooke Lee was the last winner in 1997.<br /><br />Wearing a red gown, Culpo was crowned by 2011 winner Leila Lopez of Angola during the competition that last for two hours last night.<br /><br />With two avid musicians as parents, Culpo and her siblings each studied different instruments throughout their childhood.<br /><br />Culpo's choice instrument is cello. Her other interests include movies, museums, concerts, and making people laugh.<br /><br />She hopes to land a career in either film or television.India's Shilpa Singh made only to the top 16 spot.<br /><br />The panel of 10 judges included names like singer Cee Lo Green, 'Iron Chef' Masaharu M Orimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.</p>
<p> Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Rhode Island native, beat 88 other beauty queens from around the world to be crowned as Miss Universe 2012 in a gala ceremony in Las Vegas.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Philippines' Janine Tugonon was adjudged the first runner-up followed by Venezuela's Irene Esser.<br /><br />Culpo, who grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and dreams of making it big in showbiz, has brought the title back to the US after a decade. Brooke Lee was the last winner in 1997.<br /><br />Wearing a red gown, Culpo was crowned by 2011 winner Leila Lopez of Angola during the competition that last for two hours last night.<br /><br />With two avid musicians as parents, Culpo and her siblings each studied different instruments throughout their childhood.<br /><br />Culpo's choice instrument is cello. Her other interests include movies, museums, concerts, and making people laugh.<br /><br />She hopes to land a career in either film or television.India's Shilpa Singh made only to the top 16 spot.<br /><br />The panel of 10 judges included names like singer Cee Lo Green, 'Iron Chef' Masaharu M Orimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.</p>