Mexico's Jimena Navarrete is crowned Miss Universe at the annual beauty pageant from Las Vegas
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Mexico's Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe Monday night in an upset victory that 'stunned' a pageant world which had predicted a winner to emerge from Ireland, Venezuela or the United States
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The 22-year-old from Guadalajara, resplendent in a flowing ruby-red evening gown, has been modeling since she was 15, but nothing could quite prepare her for her moment of glory
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Miss Mexico celebrates with other contestants
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"I did feel surprised, I just went blank," the brunette beauty said of her crowning achievement. "There was nothing going through my mind. I was in a state of shock"
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...Navarrete receives a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy, and a year's supply of shoes, dresses and hair products
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Navarrete's coronation, which earned her a congratulatory message on Twitter from Mexican President Felipe Calderon, ends the reign of outgoing Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela. Had this year's Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson, 21, taken the title, it would have been a three-year sweep for the South American nation
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But Gibson was ousted in the early going, along with Miss USA Rima Fakih, 24, as the field of 83 was pared down to 15
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The two-hour finale was devoid of the political drama that has erupted in past years at this event, although there had been potential for controversy when Fakih, the first American Muslim to become Miss USA, disappointed many Islamic leaders on Saturday by saying she opposes construction of a proposed mosque near Ground Zero in New York city
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Miss Great Britain- Tara Vaitiere Hoyos
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Miss Ireland Rozanna Purcell managed to finish in the top fifteen
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Radio personality Chet Buchanan (left) jokes around with Miss Finland, Viivi Pumpanen, during a commercial break
