By TODAY.com news services — Rhode Island native Olivia Culpo took the crown Wednesday night at the 61st annual Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas, becoming the first American to nab the top prize since Brook Lee in 1997.
“I’m dreaming … it’s a dream,” Culpo told fellow contestants with a shocked smile as they gathered around her after the announcement. Read the full story.
View more photos from Miss Universe 2012
Nearly a nun: Beauty queen picks Miss Universe pageant over convent
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Miss Universe Organization is co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC.
