Julie Jacobson / AP

Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo, center, is surrounded by fellow contestants after being crowned Miss USA during the 2012 Miss USA pageant, June 3, in Las Vegas, Nev.

A 20-year-old cellist from Rhode Island won the Miss USA crown and will represent the United States in this year's Miss Universe pageant.

Olivia Culpo topped a field of 51 beauty queens on Sunday to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. She strutted across the stage in a purple bikini and a purple evening gown with sparkly belt.

-- Reported by The Associated Press

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Slideshow: Rhode Islander wins Miss USA 2012

Julie Jacobson / AP

Fifty-one hopefuls were whittled down to one winner after the swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions.

Launch slideshow

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