Miss USA Olivia Culpo Online Store

"I do think that that would be fair, but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women," Culpo said. "But today where there are so many surgeries and so many people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that because I believe it's a free country."  Charms Bracelets owner of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, Donald Trump, told FOX News that he vetted all of the questions, including the one about transgendered contestants.

"Whoever gets that one . that's a tough one," he said he thought after okaying the question. "She gave a great answer."

Culpo said she was short and chubby as a girl, but blossomed after a growth spurt. She spent her summers at band camp after learning to play the cello in second grade. Her parents are also musicians, and her love for music saw her perform at Symphony Hall in Boston and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Culpo is a 2010 graduate of St. Mary Academy Bay View, an all-girls Catholic school in Riverside, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She said she comes from a big, Italian family and speaks some Italian. On her Twitter account, she describes herself as a nerd and model.

"I was just so surprised, so shocked, so honored to be there," she said of her win.

Rounding out the top five contestants were first runner-up Nana Meriwether of Maryland, second runner-up Audrey Bolte of Ohio, third runner-up Jade Kelsall of Nevada and fourth runner-up Jasmyn Wilkins of Georgia. As Meriwether and Culpo held hands waiting for the winner to be announced, Culpo bit her lip and cringed with anticipation.

Culpo demonstrated an outgoing personality throughout the competition, blowing a kiss and shimmying across the stage during the  Click to view  opening number. She cited Hepburn as her source of inspiration, noting her many years of volunteer work.

"She was beautiful on the outside, but also beautiful on the inside," said Culpo, who sang the chorus of "Funny Face" from her favorite movie of the same name after her win.

Miss Iowa USA Rebecca Hodge was named Miss Congeniality, and Miss Oregon USA Alaina Bergsma was named the most photogenic. They both won $1,000, but didn't make the top 16.

The judge's panel included Chef Cat Cora, TV personality Arsenio Hall and singer Joe Jonas. Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic  http://www.pandorabeadcharms.co.uk  stepped in to host. Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of California crowned Culpo her successor at the end of the night.