After competing with several dozen hopefuls from around the globe, Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, has been crowned Miss Universe 2012, ending a 15-year long losing streak since Brook Lee won back in 1997. The pageant took place at the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas last Wednesday night where millions of people tuned in to see who was the fairest of them all.

The 21-year-old, Boston University sophomore replaced Leila Lopes of Angola. Should she not be able to perform her duties for the year, Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, would take her place being the first runner-up. Rounding out the remaining runners-up are, from second to fourth, Irene Sofia Esser Quinter of Venezuela, Renae Ayris of Australia, and Gabriela Markus of Brazil.

This win couldn’t have come a better time where the country is still in mourn after witnessing one of its most horrific killing spree in history. “In spite of the tragedy that happened lately, it is an honor to uplift the country,” Olivia said in a backstage interview referring to the shootings in Connecticut. “I hope that this win will raise everybody’s spirits up a little.”

She will soon be travelling the world advocating for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.