Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo, 20 was crowned Miss USA 2012 on Sunday in Las Vegas and will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Culpo wowed the judges with her looks and earned an ovation from the audience when she adressed the topic of transgender women participating in pageants.

"I do think it would be fair, but I understand if People could be apprehensive," she said. "I do accept that because I believe it's a free country."

At the final moments of the competition, Culpo and runner up Nana Meriwether from Maryland held hands as they awaited for the winner to be revealed.

Culpo was wearing a magenta gown and laughed in joy as she accepted the crown from former Miss USA Alyssa Campanella.(Watch the Moment Below)

Culpo loves Italian language and is currently studying at Boston University.

See Personal Photos of Olivia Culpo

Miss USA 2012 is also a musician and has played the cello for 13 years. She continues to perform at the Boston University Accompanietta and has won a seat in the Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Watch the Crowning Moment Below:

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