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Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez has taken the Miss Universe 2009 crown home. The results came from Bahamas early on Monday morning. She created history, as this is Venezuela's second consecutive win in the international beauty pageant.
Dressed in a flowing red gown, Fernandez gave a warm embrace to her runner-up Miss Dominican Republic after the results were announced. She received the crown from Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza, of Venezuela. The sparkling diadem fell to the floor at one point, as Fernandez danced in joy.
During the question-and-answer segment with the five top finalists, Fernandez had told the judging panel that she believed women have overcome obstacles such as hitting the proverbial glass ceiling.
"I feel we have reached the level that men are at," she said. Fernandez, 18, took over 83 contestants for the title, including first runner-up Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz. Miss Kosovo is the second, Australia third and the Puerto Rico is the fourth runner up.
"I think this is the most beautiful group of women I've ever seen," pageant co-owner Donald Trump told the reporters. "In the old days, you got what you got. Now, Trump picks them. It makes a big difference."
The top 15 finalists appeared in swim suits before the final 10 were selected for the evening gown segment. The final five answered questions from the judges.
The live event included musical performances by Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.
Montag gave her first live performance, singing "Body Language" from her debut album.
"I think people don't know what to expect, and how can they? It's my first performance live and it's in front of a billion eyes. So I'm very excited to show everyone what I'm coming with," said Montag prior to her performance.
Miss China, Wang Jingyao won the Miss Congeniality sub-title whereas Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej, was conferred with the Miss Photogenic sub-titles.
