Miss USA 2011: Miss California Alyssa Campanella wins

Miss California Alyssa Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011 Sunday (June 19) in Las Vegas. With hosts Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic looking on, the red-headed history buff donned her Diamond Nexus Labs (TM) crown and walked the stage at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

In the all-important question-and-answer phase of the finals, Campanella gave the most coherent answer. Asked about whether or not she believed legalizing marijuana would hurt or help the drug war, she replied, "I understand that medical marijuana is very important for those who need it legally. It's abused, but that's the only reason I'd be against it. I'm not sure legalizing it would have much of an effect on the drug war."

She also wore a lush green gown -- dismissed as coincidence.

Campanella also admitted to being a massive history buff, listing the Tudor and Stewart eras of British history as particular faves, along with utterly fictional TV shows "Game of Thrones" (not even about our world), "Camelot" and "The Tudors."

Also in the final round: Third runner-up -- Miss Texas Ana Rodriguez, Second runner-up -- Miss Alabama Madeline Mitchell and first runner-up Miss Tennessee Erin Hatley (who, for the record, is a fan of neither flag nor Bible burning).

Campanella will now advance to compete at the Miss Universe pageant on Sept. 12 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.