'Cellist-nerd' Miss USA crowned Miss Universe

By HLNtv.com Staff

updated 7:46 AM EST, Thu December 20, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Boston College sophomore takes the crown
Olivia Culpo is a native of Cranston, Rhode Island

Miss USA Olivia Culpo wins the Miss Universe pageant.

A billion people watched Miss USA become Miss Universe Wednesday night.

Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old sophomore at Boston College and a self-described "cellist-nerd," beat out contestants from 88 countries.

It's the first time an American has won since Brook Lee was crowned in 1997!

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