For only the second time in the history of the Miss Universe pageant, a contestant from Japan has won the title. The other Japanese winner was Akiko Kojima in 1959. Riyo Mori, Miss Japan, was filled with emotion on the announcement of her victory.
In the interview portion of the competition Mori said, "I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation."
Going through the ritual of last year's winner placing the crown on her head, the quarter-of-a-million headpiece filled with pearls and diamonds fell from her head, but she was able to put it back on right away.
For Miss USA Rachel Smith, she wasn't as fortunate during the competition as she fell on her bottom while she was walking in the evening gown competition, but still was able to finish in the fifth place position.
The top five finishers were Riyo Mori, Miss Japan; Natalia Guimaraes, Miss Brazil; Ly Jonaitis, Miss Venezuela; Honey Lee, Miss Korea, and Rachel Smith, Miss USA.
The broadast by NBC (GE) and Telemundo was expected to be watched by over 600 million people worldwide.
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