When Olivia Culpo, Miss USA, won the title of Miss Universe earlier this week, she broke America's fifteen year losing streak in the competition. Olivia was raised in Rhode Island with two musician parents, a passion that she developed playing the cello in several notable symphonies.
"Thank you EVERYONE who came out to support me tonight. I can't believe USA finally did it!" she wrote on Twitter shortly after her victory. However, there was a point during the show where Culpo tripped on stage while the musical guests performed, seemingly pushing a win out of grasp.
In another tweet, Olivia reflects on the incident: "I hope my little slip last night in [the] evening gown competition will inspire everyone this year competing! It's okay to mess up. You're human!"
Against 88 other competitors, any mistake can often seem fatal, but the newly appointed Miss Universe suggests otherwise. The Los Angeles Times reports that Culpo referred to the pageant as a positive influence on the country in light of the recent Newtown massacre. "I think that in spite of all the tragedy that has happened in this country lately, it's an honor to be able to uplift the country. I really hope that this will raise everybody's spirits a little."
Olivia is currently a sophomore at Boston University, and has embarked on a media tour following her victory, starting with an interview with CNN.
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