SEE MORE: Miss USA 2012 Winner Olivia Culpo Photo Slideshow

Miss USA 2012 Winner Is Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo

The Miss USA 2012 pageant kicked off at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas tonight at 9pm ET on NBC. The 51 beauties put on a fashion show as they walked down the runway in five different themes. The contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The top 16 contestants were chosen right after.

1. Tennessee
2. Alabama
3. Ohio
4. Michigan
5. Maryland
6. New Jersey
7. Texas
8. Colorado
9. Oklahoma
10. Louisiana
11. Maine
12. Georgia
13. South Carolina
14. Rhode Island
15. Nevada
16. Arkansas

WATCH: Miss USA 2012: Olivia Culpo Crowning Video

The two-hour  show will feature musical performances from Akon and Cobra Starship, along with special correspondents Jeannie Mai from "How Do I Look?" and Kelly Osbourne.

Judges are: Ali Fedotowsky, Marilu Henner, Rob Kardashian, Arsenio Hall, Dayana Mendoza, Joe Jonas, Cat Cora, and George Kotsiopoulos.


In this year's pageant, viewers will be able to question the 50 contestants directly during the live broadcast.  Viewers were invited send their questions via Twitter with the handle #AskMissUSA since last week - leading to one question being selected to be used during the competition. They will also be able to send in questions throughout the show tonight.


 "One lucky fan's question will be read to a Top Five finalist during the interview portion," a executive producer Barry Adelman in a statement. "Live tweets will be incorporated during the swimsuit and evening gown portions, giving viewers an opportunity to follow what fans are saying in real time. Plus, we wanted to add an element of suspense by integrating social media into the final question portion. It will all come down to one contestant, one fan and 140 characters."


Online voting will also be available this year. Last year's Miss USA Winner Alyssa Campanella will be handing over her coveted crown to this year's winner.

SEE MORE: Miss USA 2012 Winner Olivia Culpo Photo Slideshow