Miss USA 2012: Who Was Crowned Beauty Queen?!

Giuliana Rancic and Andy Cohen host the 61st annual pageant in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

By Alyssa Toomey Jun 04, 2012 5:00 AMTags
Miss USA Pageant Top 10 FinalistsAP Photo/Julie Jacobson

On one of beauty's biggest nights, the gorgeous E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic took the stage to host the annual Miss USA Pageant with Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen in Las Vegas.

Keeping Up With the Kardashian star Rob Kardashian was one of the pageant's judges. As the gorgeous gals competed for the crown, Rob made a silly joke to E!'s Kelly Osbourne about "all the hair and make-up." The competition was broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

So, who came out on top and took home the crown?! 

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AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

20-year-old Olivia Culpo, Miss Rhode Island, won the 61st annual Miss USA pageant and will go on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant. First runner-up was Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether, while second runner-up was Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte.

The beautiful brunette is a student at Boston University and she donned a stunning purple Grecian-style evening gown for the show. Throughout the night, Culpo discussed her love of music—she played the cello for 13 years and was an avid band camper—and shared her passion for quoting celebrities.

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Culpo's true winning moment was when she eloquently explained why it would be fair if a transgender woman won the title—an issue that has received a lot of press as of late: "I do think that would be fair, but I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road," she said. However, "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."

Congratulations to Culpo and a special nod to Giuliana! We loved watching the E! News anchor host the event!

And if you missed the show the first time around, you're in luck—E! is reairing the Miss USA pageant Monday night!

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