SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Crowned the 51st Miss Universe, Russia's raven-haired Oxana Fedorova scored big points for saying the right thing during the pageant's final question — and she didn't even blush.
The 24-year-old law student and university lecturer from St. Petersburg beat 74 contestants Wednesday after answering the final question: "What makes you blush?"
To the roars of a raucous crowd, the 5-foot-11 Russian with green eyes grinned and said, "When I say the wrong things!" Many of the other contestants said they didn't blush.
Fedorova takes home prizes worth about $250,000. She also gets promotional contracts, a scholarship and will earn a salary while spending next year in New York.
"I feel good. I haven't been this happy in a long time," she said in Russian at a news conference after winning the crown. "I am completely shocked. This is the first time my country has ever won."
She gasped when her name was called and last year's queen, Puerto Rican Denise Quinones, placed the $250,000 crown of diamonds and pearls on her head.
Miss Panama, 22-year-old Justine Pasek, who wants to be an environmental engineer, was the first runner-up.
Miss China, 19-year-old Ling Zhuo, took second place. It was the first time China has sent a contestant.
Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Vanessa Carreira, took third place, and 19-year-old Miss Venezuela, Cynthia Lander Zamora, took fourth.