AP photo
Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo, center, is surrounded by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss USA during the 2012 Miss USA pageant in June.
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's Olivia Culpo is thanking well-wishers as she heads into competition as Miss USA for the title of Miss Universe.
The Cranston native tweeted Wednesday that "it's show time" and "today's the big day." She says she's ready for the competition Wednesday night in Las Vegas for the Miss Universe crown.
Culpo and her fellow contestants have been there for preliminary competitions and other activities, including the National Costume Show. Culpo wore a sheer red, white and blue gown, carried a torch and sported a crown to look like the Statue of Liberty.
Culpo was crowned Miss USA in June, the first time anyone from Rhode Island had won the title.
The reigning Miss Universe is from Angola.
Don't forget to tweet at me during the evening gown and swimsuit portions of the show! Either @missusa or @oliviaculpo :)))
— Olivia Culpo (@oliviaculpo) December 19, 2012