Colombian 'star' crowned Miss Universe

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega has been crowned Miss Universe, beating out first runner-up Nia Sanchez of the United States and contestants from more than 80 other countries.

Vega, a 22-year-old student of business administration, said she would wear the crown with "pride and excitement", after hearing news that fans in Colombia had taken to the streets to celebrate.

Although she was far from home in Miami, Florida, Vega said she still felt support from local Latinos. "It felt like home. I felt like I was in Colombia with my people," she said, still wearing a sparkling silver gown at a news conference after the competition.