Olivia Culpo Miss Universe 2012

In a dazzling Las Vegas pageant with a lot of glitter, sequins and a great deal of skin, Rhode Island college student Olivia Culpo bested 88 other international competitors to win the Miss Universe crown.

Culpo, 20 years old, is an accomplished musician who describes herself as a cellist nerd. The Boston University sophomore is the first American to win the title since 1997.