While Olivia Culpo may come from the country's smallest state, she was the big winner at last night's 61st annual Miss USA Pageant.
The event was held at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and was hosted by Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic. Guest judges included singer Joe Jonas, reality star Rob Kardashian, TV personality Arsenio Hall, and celebrity chef Cat Cora.
The Rhode Island native, who describes herself as a "cellist and nerd," won over the judges with her bubbly personality, elegance and poise, and thought-provoking answer when asked if a transgender individual should be allowed to compete.
Her response? "I do think that that would be fair, but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women, but today where there are so many surgeries and so many people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that because I believe it’s a free country."
The 20-year old Boston University sophomore will take a year off from school to fulfill her duties as Miss USA 2012. Later in December, she will follow in Alyssa Campanella's footsteps and represent the U.S. at the Miss Universe Pageant.
Earlier in the day, Olivia competed at the Kooey Swimwear Fashion show.
That night, Olivia answered this difficult question: "should a transgender individual be allowed to compete?" For the record, she says, ""I do think that that would be fair, but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive ."
Olivia, a cellist and dean's list student at Boston University, walks the runway in the bikini competition for Miss USA 2012.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow The Wire on Twitter and Facebook.