Are they still best friends? Californian girl beats her blonde buddy to win Miss USA... after a tricky question about legalising pot - It was the battle of the best friends - but auburn-haired, 21-year-old Miss California girl beat her blonde buddy from Tennessee to become the new Miss USA.
Alyssa Campanella, of Los Angeles, captured the crown in Las Vegas and will represent America in this year's Miss Universe pageant.
She beat her friend Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham and topped a field of 51 beauty queens to take the title Sunday night at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Close pals: Miss Tennessee and Miss California struck up a close friendship during the contest, but will it last?
Miss Campanella won took the title 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 legalising marijuana by offering a careful response.
Moment of glory: Miss California Alyssa Campanella can barely contain the tears as she is crowned Miss America by last year's winner Rima Fakih
She said she didn't think it should be fully legalised as a solution to help ailing economies.
But she added that it should be available to those who need it for medical purposes.
Miss Campanella said: '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.
So nearly there: Third-placed Miss Alabama Madeline Mitchell, left, is handed a bouquet as Miss California, right, and Miss Tennessee, Ashley Durham hug each other nervously
'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.'
The contestants from Alabama and Texas were placed third and fourth respectively.
Sweet sixteen: The finalists flaunt their amazing figures in the swimwear section of the contest
Miss Campanella, a natural blonde, said she dyed her hair six years ago for a part in a play, for a 'fiery' character with whom she found she had traits in common.
She said: 'It's really brought out the true Alyssa Campanella, I feel, and that's why I really enjoy being a redhead.'
Miss Campanella replaced Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, who overcame a near-stumble in her evening gown to win last year.
Awesome foursome: The final four in the Vegas contest, from left, Miss California, Miss Tennessee, Miss Texas and Miss Alabama,
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 question.
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. Celebrity judges picked the top eight after the swimsuit competition and the top 4 after the evening gown portion.
Tense moments: In the bikini segment, four of the contestants, including the winner Miss California Alyssa Campanella, second right, await the judges decision
Incoming, out going: Miss California Alyssa Campanella replaces last year's winner, the sultry Rima Fakih
Glittering affair: Miss USA hosts Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic introduce the contestants in the pageant on Sunday evening) ( dailymail.co.uk )
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