Miss California, Alyssa Campanella, 21, won the Miss USA crown at the annual beauty pageant in Las Vegas on Sunday. Alyssa will represent the nation in this year's Miss Universe pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 12.

Alyssa was born and brought up in New Jersey and is now a full-time model. She represented New Jersey at the Miss Teen USA contest in 2007.

Asked by judge about legalizing marijuana, Alyssa answered saying that she didn't think it should be fully legalized, however, for medical purposes it should be available to those who need it.

Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham came in second, while Miss Alabama and Miss Texas came in third and fourth respectively.

Miss California Alyssa Campanella crowned Miss USA 2011
Miss California Alyssa Campanella crowned Miss USA 2011 Reuters
Miss USA 2011 CrownMiss California Alyssa Campanella PICTURES
Miss California Campanella waves after being crowned Miss USA 2011 during the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas REUTERS
Miss USA 2011 CrownMiss California Alyssa Campanella PICTURES
Miss California Campanella competes in the swimsuit portion of the 2011 Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas REUTERS
Miss USA 2011 CrownMiss California Alyssa Campanella PICTURES
Miss California Campanella celebrates after being crowned Miss USA 2011 during the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas REUTERS
Miss USA 2011 CrownMiss California Alyssa Campanella PICTURES
Miss California Campanella reacts as she is crowned Miss USA 2011 during the Miss USA pageant Las Vegas REUTERS
Miss USA 2011 CrownMiss California Alyssa Campanella PICTURES
Miss California Campanella reacts after being announced Miss USA 2011 during the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas REUTERS
Miss California Alyssa Campanella C reacts as she is chosen as the last of the final four finalists during the 2011 Miss USA pageant in the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 19, 2011.
Miss California Alyssa Campanella (C) reacts as she is chosen as the last of the final four finalists during the 2011 Miss USA pageant in the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 19, 2011. Reuters
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