Leila Lopes Miss Universe 2011

Miss Angola Leila Lopes, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2011 by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, of Mexico, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe Monday night. She became Africa’s 4th Miss Universe, and the 1st black woman to win the crown since 1999.

Lopes beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of Miss Universe. She replaces last year’s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

“Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lopes said when asked her interview question. “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principals from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”

The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines, and the fourth Miss China.

In the top 10, were the representatives of Australia, France, Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal.

Completing the group of 15 quarter-finalists, we had the candidates of Puerto Rico, USA, Kosovo, Netherlands, Colombia and Venezuela.

Miss Panama was the winner of the Best National Costume Award; Miss Montenegro was voted Miss Congeniality; and Miss Sweden was elected Miss Photogenic.

The biggest shock of the night was the early elimination of Miss Malaysia, Deborah Henry, considered by many one of the top favorites for the crown. Other favorites left out, were Misses Greece, Trinidad & Tobago, Nicaragua, Spain, and Aruba.

Among those who made it, the main surprises were Misses Panama and Portugal. It was the first time in 60 years of history that Portugal advances to Miss Universe’s semi-finals.

The pageant was hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network’s Andy Cohen. Among the celebrities in the jury, Connie Chung, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves.

Brazilian pop stars Claudia Leitte and Bebel Gilberto performed during the event.

Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, was a favorite since she arrived in Brazil. She was actually prepared for the pageant in Brazil. It’s a well-deserved title for Angola and the African continent!