Miss USA lauded in Las Vegas

Winner Miss USA Olivia Culpo Las Vegas - Arabstoday Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, was crowned Miss Universe on Wednesday evening in Las Vegas, USA.  She selected a raspberry velvet and muslin gown from Beirut designer Georges Hobeika's Fall/Winter 2012-13 couture collection for her winning look. It has been 13 years since the USA took the crown at the annual pageant. Olivia took to Twitter to express her excitement, tweeting: “What an honor! This night was a dream come true. Thank you everyone for your support tonight!! USA finally did it!” According to her Miss Universe bio, Culpo, a 20-year-old Rhode Island native, is a cello player who hopes to pursue a career in film or television.She beat Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, who came in second, and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, who placed third, whilst Miss Lebanon Rina Chibany narrowly missed out on the top 10. Rina and her identical twin sister Romy Chibany were crowned Miss Lebanon and runner-up Miss Lebanon 2012 earlier this year, the first time that twins had entered the contest. The 21-year-old sisters from Zahle in the Bekaa were among 16 contestants from across Lebanon who took part in the competition in a ceremony held at the Platea arena, north of Beirut. Rina was handed over the crown by last year's winner, Yara Khoury-Mikhael. As Miss Universe, Culpo will receive an undisclosed salary, a wardrobe “fit for a queen”, a limitless supply of beauty products, and a luxury apartment in New York City.