Beautiful Miss Universe Contestants in Swimsuit [PHOTOS]

Miss USA Olivia Culpo from Rhode Island was crowned Miss Universe 2012 earlier last week, beating 88 beautiful girls from across the globe after going through a series of competition including walking the ramp in swimsuit and evening wear.

The winner of the beauty contest was chosen from among the contestants representing 89 countries by a panel of 10 judges.

Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 by last year's winner Miss Angola Lopes at a glittering ceremony on December 19 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon was named runner-up, while Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero was named second runner-up.

The 20-year-old beauty queen will travel the world over the next year to represent the Miss Universe Organization and a charity of her choice.

Shilpa Singh, the winner of "I Am She Miss Universe 2012", represented India at the pageant but failed to make it to the top 10 list. The 23-year-old software engineer from Bihar wore creation by designers Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor at the finale.

It has been over a decade since India last brought home the Miss Universe title and people's expectations from Shilpa Singh are high. Bollywood actress Lara Dutta was the last Indian to be crowned Miss Universe in 2000.