The Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant drew to a close in Sao Paolo last night with the crowning of a new winner -- Miss Angola.
The 60th edition of one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world saw a record 89 beauties from as many countries across the world compete for the crown.
The grand finale took place at Credicard Hall in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The judges panel comprised a number of recognised faces including Isabeli Fontana, Vivica A. Fox and Connie Chung.
The top 16 contestants participated in swimsuit, evening gown and interview segments, post which the ten finalists were chosen. And the title went to Miss Angola Leila Lopes.
Lopes, 25, is a business management student currently studying in Great Britain and is the first-ever representative of her country to bag the Miss Universe crown.
Olesya Stefanko (Miss Ukraine) and Priscila Machado (Miss Brazil) bagged the first and second runner-up positions respectively.
Unfortunately for India, our Vasuki Sunkavalli failed to make the cut when it came to the top 16 selection.
Image: Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, after being named Miss Universe 2011 during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo September 12, 2011
Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/Reuters
Don't miss our complete Miss Universe 2011 coverage!
Readers voted: Hottest Miss Universe 2011 candidates
Meet the contestants: Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Miss Universe 2011 National Costumes
Why Miss India missed out on the National costume segment
