Olivia Culpo, Miss USA, Crowned Miss Universe 2012; Reactions To Win and Miss Philippines' Loss

On Wednesday night, 20-year-old Rhode Island native Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012, taking the title from last year's winner Miss Angola Leila Lopes.

The Boston University sophomore has managed to compete in just three pageants--Miss Rhode Island, Miss USA and Miss Universe--and has won each one. While many congratulated the newly crowned Miss Universe for her new title, some believed that the title truly belonged to Miss Philippines Janini Tugonon, who was a favorite to win. 

Celebrities Paula Abdul and Shanna Moakler congratulated Culpo via Twitter shortly after she was crowned the new Miss Universe. Abdul tweeted, "@MissUSA Congratulations Miss USA Olivia Culpo on becoming the new Miss Universe! YAY!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! xoP #RhodeIsland"

Moakler, a former Miss New York and Miss USA runner-up, also extended her congratulations."GO RHODE ISLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 15 YEARS SINCE USA HAS WON!!!!!!!! @oliviaculpo SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! I KNOW YOU WANTED THIS!" she tweeted. 

Others also shared their well-wishes to the young winner. "Congratulations @oliviaculpo @missusa now @missuniverse. Absolutely, amazing. I know #RI is celebrating for you, but #boston is too. :)" tweeted @YvonneTNT. 

@JoJoistheway added, "Okay, Olivia Culpo... You are adorable and seem so sweet and deserving of this title. Congratulations, beauty! #NewEnglandgirlsdoitbest"

"Congratulations to #missusa, Olivia, for winning #missuniverse. Go make us proud girl #USAREP," tweeted @PRECIOUSBJ. 

However, not everyone was happy for Culpo, with some saying that the competition was rigged. "#MissUniverse2012 QUESTION: What point in the competition did Miss USA had a lead over Miss Philippines? ... ANSWER: PAGEANT LOCATION!" tweeted @claraquiambao. 

"Miss USA won because the pageant was held in the U.S.A! Miss Philippines should have won! She had a better answer & was for more deserving." added @Mhartinn. 

Despite the loss, supporters of Miss Philippine were just happy to have her be runner up. @Hazelitch tweeted, "That should have been a win for Miss Philippines but still so proud!"