Meriwether represented Maryland at Miss USA 2012 , where she eventually finished as the first runner-up to Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island . On December 19 , 2012 , Olivia Culpo won the title of Miss Universe 2012 . Due to pageant protocol , Miss USA must resign her title in order to fulfill her duties as Miss Universe . The first runner-up assumes the title of Miss USA , meaning that Meriwether became the new Miss USA 2012 . After assuming the crown , Meriwether became the oldest contestant ever to be crowned Miss USA at the age of 27 , the record stood until Cheslie Kryst would be crowned in 2019
Miss USA 2012
Miss USA 2012
Nana Meriwether