1st titleholder from Rhode Island

The very 1st titleholder from Rhode Island, 19 year old Olivia Culpo recently crowned the new Miss USA 2012 during a live telecast beauty pageant held on June 3 at the Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crowning her was last year's winner, Alyssa Campanella.

Standing 5'7" tall, Olivia from Cranston will represent America in the upcoming Miss Universe 2012 competition on December.

Finished as 1st run-up was Baba Meriweather (Maryland). The 2nd run-up was Audrey Bolte (Ohio). Ended as 3rd run-up was the heavy favorite Jade Kelsall (Nevada). And finally, the 4th run-up was Jasmine Wilkins (Georgia).

Completing the top 10 semi-finalists were Katherine Webb (Alabama), Marybel Gonzalez (Colorado), Michelle Leonardo (New Jersey), Lauren Lundeen (Oklahoma) and Brittany Booker (Texas).

The rest of the top 16 quarter finalists are Erin Edmiston (Louisiana), Rani Williamson (Maine), Kristen Danyal (Michigan), Erika Powell (South Carolina), Jessica Hibler (Tennessee) and the winner of America's choice award voted via Internet and SMS is Kelsey Dow (Arkansas).

Rebecca Hodge from Iowa voted by her peers as Miss Congeniality, while Alaina Bergsma from Oregon was awarded as Miss Photogenic.

The 2-hour event featured musical performances from Cobra Starship and 5-time Grammy winner Akon. Special comments from correspondents Jeannie Mai from "How do I look?" and Kelly Osbourne brings backstage insights.

Culpo was one of the shortest Miss USA titleholder in history, but one of the most beautiful faces. With that stunning smile and great stage presence, without mentioning intelligence, I think she will go far in the Miss Universe contest. Goodluck Olivia!

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://missrhodeisland-2012.blogspot.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

Miss USA 2012

Miss USA 2012 LAS VEGAS STRIP, Nevada, United States - Olivia Culpo (20; 1.70m; Cranston, Rhode Island) was crowned Miss USA 2012 at the Theatre for the Performing Arts of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Strip on June 3. She will represent the United States in Miss Universe 2012 next December. The first runner-up was Nana Meriwether (Maryland), the second runner-up was Audrey Bolte (Ohio), the third runner-up was Jade Ashley Kelsall (Nevada) and the fourth runner-up was Jasmyn Wilkins (Georgia).

Katherine Webb (Alabama), Lauren Lundeen (Oklahoma), Brittany Booker (Texas), Marybel Gonzalez (Colorado) and Michelle Leonardo (New Jersey) completed the top 10.
Kelsey Dow (Arkansas), Erin Edmiston (Louisiana), Rani Williamson (Maine), Kristen Danya (Michigan), Erika Powell (South Carolina) and Jessica Hibler (Tennessee) completed the top 16.
Rebecca Hodge (Iowa) won Miss Congeniality and Alaina Bergsma (Oregon) won Miss Photogenic