Miss Universe 2012: Miss USA Olivia Culpo Wins

America is once again back on top after Miss USA Olivia Culpo took home the coveted Miss Universe crown 2013 on Wednesday night.


The Boston University sophomore couldn't stop beaming as she was crowned the winner ahead of runner-up - Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, 23 - and the third place winner, Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, 21.

"What an honor! This night was a dream come true. Thank you everyone for your   big support tonight!! USA finally did it!"

Culpo, 20, beat out 88 other young women from accross the world to snag the title, making her the first Miss Universe winner from the United States in 15 years, since Miss Hawaii Brook Lee’s win in 1997.

Last year's winner, Leila Lopes, hailed from Angola.


Culpo won the Miss USA crown as Miss Rhode Island back in June, emphasizing music education and breast cancer awareness.


Her answer to Wednesday night's interview portion of the competition was a little more lighthearted, however. When asked whether she had ever done anything she regretted, Culpo had a ready answer.

"I'd like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you'll learn from it. That's just life," she said. "But something I've done I've regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older."


The annual competition was broadcast live from the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino in Las Vegas.