Miss USA 2011 winner: Alyssa Campanella of California

Alyssa Campanella, Miss California, reacts after being crowned the 2011 Miss USA on June 19, 2011, in Las Vegas.

/ AP

(CBS/AP) Updated 11:58 p.m. EDT

LAS VEGAS - Alyssa Campanella, a 21-year-old auburn-haired California girl, won the Miss USA crown on Sunday night.

Campanella, who is from Los Angeles, topped a field of 51 beauty queens to take the title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. She will represent the nation in this year's Miss Universe pageant in September in Brazil.

Pictures: Miss USA 2011

Campanella won after strutting across the stage in a blue bikini with white polka dots and a dark turquoise evening gown with beading on its top.

She also answered a question about legalizing marijuana by saying she didn't think it should be fully legalized as a solution to help ailing economies.

"Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today's economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically," she said. "I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it's abused today, unfortunately, so that's the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it's OK."

Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham was the first runner-up. Contestants from Alabama and Texas placed third and fourth.

The ceremony was hosted by TV personalities Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic.

"Fashion Police" hosts Kelly Osbourne and Susie Castillo provided fashion commentary throughout the pageant, while the judging panel included "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Caroline Manzo, TV chef Rocco DiSpirito, Dallas Mavericks star Tyson Chandler and rapper Lil Jon.

Campanella replaces Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih. The Michigan woman teared up as she walked across the stage for a final goodbye.

The pageant had three competitions: swimsuit, evening gown and interview questions.

The contestants were whittled to 16 after the show's opening number, in which the beauty queens introduced themselves one-by-one. The top 16 were picked by preliminary judges through competitions and interviews during the week before the telecast. Judges picked the top eight after the swimsuit competition and the top 4 after the evening gown portion.

38 Photos

Miss USA 2011

[rock0223]

Says she: 'So many jealousies, so little time', or so I would guess.

[mlcvernon]

The Daytime Emmy Awards wad a better show Miss Texas should have won the crown

[Larkztongue]

Wow! This years winner of America's Barbie Doll contest. Things like this really move the species foreword in man's quest for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. This is what's important in life?????? The most expensive ***** in the world-love that dress!

[TheKnowerseeker]

Why is it an honor for a woman to prove that she's the best sex object?

[itsgoodtodogood]

How sad that Miss USA is so uninformed on "medical" marijuana. Marijuana is not "medicine". It is a dangerous and addictive drug. I hope Miss Campanella takes a little time to learn the truth about the problems that the heavily-funded "medical" marijuana lobby is causing as it continues its campaign to legalize all marijuana use.

[displeased2]

Actually, I think you need to be more informed. Marijuana does have it's place in the medical field, and if I had to chose, I would prefer a natural drug over some man-made, manufactured pharmaceutical. I bet people like you are fine with pharmaceutical's side effects and addictions and would prefer using them over this natural remedy that you fear so much. BTW, I think weed is less addictive than other legal products, things like alcohol, cigarettes, and potato chips.

[rf35]

She ugly!

In fact, most of the contestants were less than hot and several were downright unattractive. Miss Florida was hideous. Somewhere there's a pageant handbook still says contestants must have no waists, disproportionately huge breasts, and way too much make-up. I'm glad I didn't waste my time watching this tripe.

[TheKnowerseeker]

I wouldn't say that they're unattractive, but I would say that they're all fairly boring-looking and girl-next-door-ish. You're right about Miss Florida though: her ears are too big.

[formrusmcsgt]

Since when is gaunt attractive?

[haxter007]

Should have kept New Mexico. Would have got my vote.

[longtree-2009]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. alyssa isn't the most attractive but understand that the winner is selected on other things besides their phsyical appearance. america's population is about one third obese so it's refreshing to see thin females for a change.

[TheKnowerseeker]

the skinnier the girl, the fatter her ego.

[bajajohn1]

You know...these girls are really skinny and Ms. Hawaii would make for a perfect window manniquin.

[formrusmcsgt]

I'm with you John...and the camera ADDS 10 pounds!

In real life, they must appear downright gaunt.....