Olivia Culpo Wins Miss USA 2012!

Olivia Culpo is Miss USA 2012.

The 20-year-old Miss Rhode Island won the 61st annual pageant Sunday and will go on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

She topped a field of 51 contestants on Sunday to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip to take the coveted title.

First runner-up was Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether, while second runner-up was Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte. Congratulations go out to all three lovely ladies.

There can be only one winner, though, and it was the beautiful brunette , a student at Boston University who donned a stunning purple Grecian-style gown.

Throughout the night, Culpo discussed her love of music - she played the cello for 13 years and was an avid band camper - and for quoting celebrities.

Culpo's best moment was when she explained why it would be fair if a transgender woman - like Canada's controversial Jenna Talackova - won the title:

"I do think that would be fair, but I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road," she said. But, "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."

Well said, Olivia Culpo. Well said.

• 
• 
• 

[Photos: WENN.com]