Miss Peru, Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, was chosen Miss World Saturday in an event in Sanya, China, but with the help of audiences across the world.

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For the first time, the audience was able to take part in the selection process via phone, text messaging, TV remote control and the Internet, reported the BBC.

Miss Peru, who vied against 106 other contestants, won a $10,000 prize. Miss Dominican Republic, Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodriguez, was first runner-up, and Miss USA, Nancy Randall, came in third.

U.S. singer Lionel Ritchie performed at the event held in China for the second consecutive year. The competition was hosted by British model Lisa Snowdon, Hong Kong TV host Angela Chow and former U.S. reality TV contestant Troy McClain.

Last year's winner was Miss Ireland, Rosanna Davison, the daughter of singer Chris de Burgh.