Scoops News Reports from the World of Pageantry MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION Miss USA Olivia Culpo is the New Miss Universe 2012 M iss Universe 2012 was the 61st Miss Universe pag- eant, and was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leila Lopes from Angola crowned her successor Olivia Culpo who claimed victory over a field of 89 countries and territories participating in this year's pageant broadcast live by NBC and Telemundo across the globe. This marks the 8th Miss Universe title for the United States since the Pageants inception in 1952, but the first American to win the title in 15 years. In the interview portion of the competition Olivia was asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted. “I’d like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you’ll learn from it. That’s just life,” she said. “But something I’ve done I’ve regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older.” The telecast hosted by Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic fea- tured live performances by musical groups, including Train and Timomatic, throughout the event. The Top 16 competing in Swimsuit included: Croatia - Elizabeta Burg Kosovo - Diana Avdiu India - Shilpa Singh Peru - Nicole Faverón Poland - Marcelina Zawadzka Turkey - Çağıl Özge Özkul The Top Ten competing in Evening Gown included: South Africa - Melinda Bam Mexico - Karina González Russia - Elizabeth Golovanova Hungary - Agnes Konkoly France - Marie Payet The Top Five competing in Interview included: 1st runner-up: Philippines - Janine Tugonon 2nd runner-up: Venezuela - Irene Esser 3rd runner-up: Australia - Renae Ayris 4th runner-up: Brazil - Gabriela Markus WINNER: USA - Olivia Culpo The preliminary and national costume shows were also web- casted on the official Miss Universe website and on Xbox Live. Shamcey Supsup, third runner up from Miss Universe 2011, host- ed the official web content. Ⅺ 74 PAGEANTRY IN MEMORIAM Miss America 1953 Neva Langley Passes M iss America 1953 Neva Langley Fickling, passed away quietly on Sunday morning, November 18th, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones. Neva will be fondly remembered for her grace, her humility and her impec- cable Southern manners. As she stepped on the stage to compete in the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Neva performed flawlessly in front of the audience and the famous New York Times music critic, Deems Taylor, who judged her and awarded Neva the talent competition, after she performed her rendition of TOCCATA by Khatchaturian. Neva, was the only Miss Georgia to ever win the title of Miss America and she graciously accepted the title on September 6, 1952. She was a devoted wife to Bill Fickling, her college sweet- heart whom she married following her year of service as Miss Amer- ica. They have four wonderful children and many grandchildren that she loved and enjoyed. Ⅺ WEDDING Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron Weds C aressa Cameron met her hus- band, Nathaniel Jackson Jr., when they both attended Massapon- ax High School in Virginia. Their wedding on Sunday evening, December 2, 2012 in Fredericksburg United Methodist Church took place in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. Caressa wore a cream-colored floor- length gown, with a sweetheart neck- line and a flowing veil. Her bouquet PHOTO: RENOUFPHOTOGRAPHY.COM was not flowers, but trinkets from dif- ferent members of her family. The aisle was lined with wintry white trees with lights in them, and at the front stood an arch made of win- try foliage. Caressa and Nathaniel, we wish you continued happiness. Ⅺ PAGEANTRY MAGAZINE Pageantry magazine welcomes Megan Alexander M egan Alexander of Inside Edition joins the Pageantry team as a featured guest writer for our new column “Beyond the Spot- light.” Megan’s insightful and positive coverage of newsworthy events and meaningful persons provide another leading exclusive within the unparalleled features that exist throughout Pageantry. Welcome Megan! Ⅺ