US woman crowned Miss Universe 2012

 

The title of first runner-up title went to the contestant from
the Philippines, Janine Tugonon.

Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third in the
contest.

Last year's winner Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned jubilant
Culpo, 20 years old, to succeed her in a year-long reign.
It is the first win for an American woman since 1997, when the
title was won by Brook Lee.
Fourth place went to Miss Australia Renae Ayris, and fifth
to Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus.
The title Miss Congeniality was given to Miss Guatemala Laura
Godoy by the contestants.
The pageant, which purports to pick the world's most beautiful
woman, was held this year in Las Vegas, and saw 89 contestants
compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.
It marked th 61st edition of the pageant, held last year in Sao
Paulo, Brazil, and which is co-sponsored by US television network
NBC and American real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Former Miss South Africa Melinda Bam, made it to the top 10 of the contest, but fell out of the top 5 spot - despite being tipped as one of the favourites to wear the crown.