The Miss USA 2012 is Olivia Culpo. Last year's winner Alyssa Campanella handed the coveted crown to Miss Rhode Island. The runner up is Maryland's Nana Meriwether.

SEE MORE: Miss USA 2012 Winner Olivia Culpo Photo Slideshow

Fourth runner up is Miss George Jasmine Wilkins.

Third runner up is Nevada Jade Kelsall

Second runner up is Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte.

Beautiful ladies graced the stage at the Miss USA 2012 pageant show tonight. The Miss USA 2012 pageant kicked off live at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas at 9 p.m.

WATCH: Miss USA 2012: Olivia Culpo Crowning Video


The two-hour show featured musical performances from Akon and Cobra Starship, along with special correspondents Jeannie Mai from "How Do I Look?" and Kelly Osbourne. Cobra Starship performed their number as the beautiful girls walked up and down the stage in swimwear. Akon performed his latest single as the top five ladies paraded the stage in nightgowns.


The contestants were first narrowed down to 16. The beauties showed off their sexy bodies in the swimsuit competition. Then the contestants were narrowed to 10 - after which the evening gown competition took place.


The top five contestants for the Miss USA 2012 title were chosen after the evening gown competition:


Georgia (Jasmine Wilkins), Nevada (Jade Kelsall), Rhode Island (Olivia Culpo), Maryland (Nana Meriwether) and Ohio (Audrey Bolte).


Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Jersey were out.


The top five faced the judges for an interview which played a major factor in determining the winner of MIss USA 2012.  It is the first time the public was able to send in questions via Twitter to the contestants.


Miss Georgia was questioned by judge Cat Cora about her opinion on the Mayor of New York banning sugary drinks.  When asked whether this is going too far, Miss Georgia Jasmine Wilkins replied: "I don't think this goes too far. I'm glad they are putting some restrictions on it."


Rob Kardashian asked a Twitter question to Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo: "Would u feel it would be fair if a miss USA transgender woman won the title?"


She replied: "I accept that because I believe it is a free country."

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