Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesCue the sparkly dresses, hairspray, Chris Harrison, Brooke Burke and the baton twirling—Miss America 2012 has officially been crowned!
So which of the 52 ladies, judged by a panel including our favorite Kardashian momager Kris Jenner, Dancing With the Stars champ Mark Ballas, and Good Morning America's Lara Spencer, proudly repped their state and took the title?!
Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler!
The 23-year-old beauty survived not only a Black Swan-inspired dance by Miss California Noelle Freeman, but a first-ever-contestant-chosen-second-chance-survival by Miss Alabama Courtney Porter as well, beating out fourth runner up Miss California, third Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler, second Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, and first runner up Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson, who was initially crowned America's Choice semi-finalist.
Teresa Scanlan, who reigned as the youngest Miss America ever at age 17-years-old in 2011, stood by to hand over the sparkler to a mascara streaked Laura.
So what's America's latest leading lady got up her gown sleeve?
Some mad singing skills and the winning answer to Lara Spencer's question.
When Spencer questioned: "the divide between Democrats and Republicans seems to be getting wider and nastier, do you think Miss America should be free to declare her political affiliation?" The beauty confidently answered: "Miss America represents everyone and I think a message to the political candidates is that they represent everyone as well, so in these economic times we need to be looking forward to what America needs and I think Miss America needs to represent all."
Amen, Miss Wisconsin, reign on!