Miss Universe organization
Miss USA Olivia Culpo,second from left in red gown, stands among the Miss Universe five finalists.
Cranston's Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe in Las Vegas Wednesday night, beating out more than 80 other beauty queens from around the world.
She is the first Rhode Islander and the 8th American to win the pageant in the event's 60-year history.
Culpo, who wore a magenta ballgown and her hair in a high bun, won based on her performance in the interview, evening gown and swimwear portions of the competition.
For her interview question she was asked: "What is something you have done that you would never do again?"
Culpo said she regretted picking on her siblings growing up, prefacing the statement with "I'd like to say that every experience, good or bad, no matter what it is, you'll learn from it."
Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, was the first runner-up.
Culpo will hand off the Miss USA crown she won last June to first runner-up Miss Maryland, Nana Meriwether.
This year's Miss Universe judges included celebrity stylist Brad Goreski, "Real Housewife" Lisa Vanderpump, Olympic volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto and fashion photographer (and "America's Next Top Model" judge) Nigel Barker.