An American university student has been named Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the US after a drought of more than a decade.

A 20-year-old American beauty queen was crowned Miss Universe today.

NEWLY crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes wants to help her native Angola further escape a history of war and impoverishment.

Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combating HIV around the globe.