( CNN ) -- For the first time in 15 years , an American has won the Miss Universe pageant . Olivia Culpo , 20 , of Rhode Island , donned the coveted tiara Wednesday night . She teared up as other contestants placed the crown on her head during the televised event in Las Vegas . `` What an honor ! This night was a dream come true . Thank you everyone for your support tonight ! ! USA finally did it , '' Culpo posted on her official Twitter page later . Culpo beat out 88 other contestants . Miss Philippines , Janine Tugonon , came in second . Culpo won the Miss USA crown in June in part by emphasizing the importance of music education . A cellist for 13 years , Culpo has performed at Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City . An American had not won the beauty pageant since 1997 , according to organizers . Last year 's winner was Leila Lopes of Angola . Photos : Mr. English Beauty .
Culpo of Angola wins the Miss Universe pageant . No American has won the beauty pageant since June . `` This night was a dream come true , '' Olivia Culpo tweets .