Alyssa Campanella of California wins Miss USA crown Sunday, June 19, 2011, in Las Vegas, will go to Miss Universe.
The competition was fierce and the final four were Miss Alabama, Miss Tennessee, Miss California and Miss Texas.
The first runner-up was Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham and the second runner-up was Miss Alabama Madeline Mitchell.
A 21-year-old auburn-haired Campanella won after strutting across the stage in a blue bikini with white polka dots and a dark turquoise evening gown with beading on its top.
She also answered a question about legalizing marijuana by saying she didn’t think it should be fully legalized but it should be available to those who need it for medical purposes.
„Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today’s economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically,“ she said, according to the wire service. „I’m not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it’s abused today, unfortunately, so that’s the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it’s OK.“
Campanella replaces Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih. The Michigan woman teared up as she walked across the stage for a final goodbye.
Campanella will go on to compete in the Miss Universe competition Sept. 12.
