Miss Rhode Island USA Olivia Culpo was named Miss USA 2012 at a pageant in Las Vegas.

ADVERTISEMENT

Culpo is a sophomore at Boston University where she has made the dean's list every semester. She has played cello for 13 years and won seats in Boston Symphony Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall.

Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011, crowned her successor at the conclusion of Sunday's telecast on NBC, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

First runner-up is Miss Maryland USA Nana Meriwether. She will assume the duties of Miss USA 2012 if the titleholder is named Miss Universe 2012 or if for some reason Miss USA cannot fulfill her duties.

Second runner up is Miss Ohio USA Audrey Bolte.

Bravo's "Watch What Happens: Live" host and executive producer Andy Cohen and "E! News" co-anchor Giuliana Rancic returned as hosts of the 61st annual Miss USA competition at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Kelly Osbourne of E!'s "Fashion Police" and Jeannie Mai of Style Network's "How Do I Look?" were also on hand, providing color commentary throughout the pageant.