Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete Crowned Miss Universe 2010

Miss Mexico, 22-year-old Jimena Navarrete, was crowned Miss Universe 2010 on Monday night, Aug. 23, replacing last year's winner, Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela. Miss Mexico beat out 83 other contestants from around the world based on her performance in the swimsuit competition, evening gown competition and final question.

Stealing the show in a sexy, flowing, single-strap red gown, the color of which Ms. Navarrete said represented Mexico's bicentennial anniversary of gaining independence, the beauty pageant winner was asked by Olympic gold medalist skater Evan Lysacek what effect unsupervised Internet use is having on today's youth. She responded through a translator, saying, "I do believe that the Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time. We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family."

Her answer was vague, but apparently it was sufficient. The Guadalajara native proudly represented her country's heritage and values through her dress and her answer. Mexico will be pleased to have her represent the nation to the world.

Miss Mexico was confident and beautiful throughout the show, held at the Mandalay Bay casino-resort in Las Vegas. She faced stiff competition from tomboy splendor Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps (1^st runner-up) and the affable girl-next-door Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell (2^nd runner-up and Miss Congeniality). Though not as glamorous as some of the other competitors, Miss Australia seemed genuinely friendly and fun and would have brought a fresh, unique style to the Miss Universe organization if she had won.

Both Miss Jamaica and Miss Australia topped Miss Mexico in the awkward question-and -answer portion by giving the only unambiguous answers to the judges' questions. But no one could beat Miss Mexico's sculpted curves as she strutted a stage filled with Elvis impersonators in her violet bikini. The low point of the night came when crowd favorite Miss Philippines Venus Roj (4^th runner-up) claimed to have never made a mistake in response to a question from judges asking her how she had worked to correct mistakes made in her life.

According to the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Mexico won a prize package, including a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy including housing after her reign ends, hair care products, makeup, shoes, swimwear, clothing and accessories to befit a queen, as well as luxury New York living and an undisclosed salary for her role as Miss Universe.

Miss Mexico will spend the next year traveling the world representing the Miss Universe Organization and its special focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. After her reign, she says she plans to continue her studies in nutritional science.

Source: "Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete Crowned MISS UNIVERSE® 2010 During Live NBC Telecast" PR Newswire