Miss California Alyssa Campanella crowned Miss USA 2011
Miss California Alyssa Campanella crowned Miss USA 2011 Reuters

Alyssa Campanella, a 21-year-old girl from California was crowned as Miss USA 2011 in Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

Campanella, who currently resides in Los Angeles, has multiple beauty pageant titles, including 2007 Miss New Jersey Teen USA, first runner-up for 2007 Miss Teen USA, first runner-up for 2008 Miss New Jersey USA, Miss California USA in 2011, and now the Miss USA in 2011.

The pageant had three areas to compete: swimsuit, evening gown, and interview question.

At the interview question, Campanella answered a question on legalizing marijuana.

“Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today's economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically, said Campanella. “I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it's abused today, unfortunately, so that's the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it's OK.”

On Sunday night, Miss USA 2011, Rima Fakih, crowned Campanella as her successor. Campanella will represent the country in September at the Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The first runner-up was Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham.