The Miss Universe crown has been brought back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. 20-year-old Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, won Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas on Wednesday, defeating 88 other beauty queens from around the world. Miss China won the best National Costume award.

For the first time in 15 years, an American has won the contest to pick the most beautiful woman in the world.

Olivia Culpo, the 20-year-old American University student, beat out 88 other beauty queens from six continents. Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, was the first runner-up. Miss Venezuela, Miss Australia and Miss Brazil also made it to the final five.

Miss China did not disappoint either.22-year-old Xu Jidan, a native of northeastern China’s Jilin province, won the Best National Costume Award.A dress inspired by blue and white porcelain. Xu’s costume, made by renowned Chinese designer Guo Pei, showcased the Chinese traditional culture.

Miss China Xu Jidan said, "I feel that the National Costume show is very popular. It’s attention-grabbing. I’m so happy to be part of it. It’s the only phase of the contest to showcase national cultures. I feel so proud. I hope the world get to the Chinese culture and its five-thousand-year-old civilization."

Chinese American TV icon Yue-Sai Kan has been chair-woman of Miss Universe China. Calling the competition “the Olympics of Beauty Pageants", she believed it is high time Chinese women made their presence felt’ on one of the world’s biggest stage.

Yue-Sai Kan said, "I think it’s the most beautiful costume, because it really represents our culture. People always ask me what do you tell the girl who’s going to compete for China. This is an international competition. She represents China. She doesn’t only represent herself. Her name is Miss China."

Miss Universe is one of the most watched beauty pageants on earth. This year’s contest, broadcast live on NBC and streamed online, was watched by an estimated one billion viewers in over 100 countries.

Reporter: "According to the organizer, the newly crowned Miss Universe receives an undisclosed salary a dress fit for a queen, a unlimited supply of beauty products. And a luxury apartment in New York City.

While only one person can be crowned Miss Universe, it would be fair to say that everyone here tonight walks away a winner for being unique!

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