By Michael Oleaga / m.oleaga@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Dec 19, 2012 09:57 PM EST

A brand new Miss Universe has been crowned.

Miss Universe 2012 took place at the Las Vegas Strip's PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino where up to 7,000 people will be in attendance.

Bravo Executive Vice President of Development and Talent Andy Cohen and E! News Anchor and entertainment journalist Giuliana Rancic served as hosts. Meanwhile, serving the judges table included Brad Goreski, Cee Lo Green, Claudia Jordan, Diego Boneta, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Masaharu Morimoto, Nigel Barker, Pablo Sandoval, Scott Disick, and Ximena Navarrete.

The annual Miss Universe contest first started in 1952 with Finland's Armi Kuusela taking the crown. Now in its 61st year and with 89 countries and territories participating from the original 30 in 1952.

From the 89 countries, the final five were chosen, and they were Australia, Brazil, Philippines, United States, and Venezuela.

The top five are Renae Ayris from Australia, Gabriela Markus of Brazil, Janine Tugonon from the Philippines, Olivia Culpo of the US, and Irene Esser of Venezuela.

The top five advanced from the top ten, defeating Miss France Marie Payet, Miss Hungary Miss Agnes Konkoly, Miss Mexico's Karina Gonzalez, Miss Russia's Elizabeth Golovanova, and Miss South Africa's Melinda Barn.

At 9:52 p.m. EST, the fifth place went to Miss Brazil, third place runner up went to Miss Australia, and second place runner up is Miss Venezuela.

The moment of truth came following the judges' tabulations, and the 2012 Miss Universe is Miss USA, making Miss Philippines the first runner up. As Miss Universe 2012, she succeeds Miss Universe 2011's Leila Lopes of Angola. 

Miss USA previously won the 2012 Miss Rhode Island USA competition in Sept. 18, 2011, her first pageant. She also attends Boston University.

Special awards have been given to Miss Guatemala's Laura Godoy for Miss Congeniality, Miss Kosovo's Diana Avdiu for Miss Photogenic, Best National Costume went to Miss China, while Online Voting has yet to be revealed.

Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Competition:

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