Pictures: How American Student Olivia Culpo Became Miss Universe 2012

For the time in 15 years, an American has won the annual Miss Universe pageant. Olivia Culpo, 20, received the coveted tiara on Wednesday evening (December 19, 2012), beating out 88 other contestants including Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon, who was tipped to win the competition during the early stages. An American had not won the competition since 1997, and Culpo's rise to glory is extraordinary in itself. 

Miss Universe: Olivia Culpo Proudly Shows Off Her Tiara And Sash

Culpo, from Rhode Island, is a noted cellist and has performed at the Boston Symphony Hall and New York City's Carnegie Hall. She is the daughter of two professionally trained musicians and has performed alongside the world renowned Yo-Yo Ma. She does not have a particularly rich modelling past and surprised her parents by entering the Miss Rhode Island pageant last year. According to Newsday.com, her father Peter said, "We didn't know a thing about pageants." After studying current events on flashcards, working out and dieting, she won over judges in Donald Trump's Miss Universe pageant, despite tripping on her gown. 

Creepy: Donald Trump Gets Close To The New Miss Universe [L] and the Dazzling Smile of Olivia Culpo [R]

Her answer to Wednesday evening's interview section of the competition - the downfall of so many aspiring models - appeared to secure her the contest. When asked whether she had done anything she regretted, Culpo said, "I'd like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you'll learn from it. That's just life.But something I've done I've regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older." Tweeting immediately after her win, Culpo tweeted, "What an honor! This night was a dream come true. Thank you everyone for your support tonight!! USA finally did it."

Culpo Attending The Premiere Of 'The Master' Earlier This Year [L] and Hailing A Taxi Cab In New York [R]

Last year's winner was Leila Lopes (Miss Angola) and before her, Ximena Navarrete (Miss Mexico).

Culpo Beat One Of The Favorite's Janine Tugonon (Miss Phillipines) To The Miss Universe Crown