Photographs: Jason Lee/Reuters
Alexandria Mills, an 18-year-old from the United States had her "dream come true" as she emerged the surprise winner of the coveted Miss World 2010 crown, beating off competition from 115 beauties from across the world.
The blonde haired, blue eyed teenager became the 60th woman to win the coveted tiara while Miss Botswana Emma Wareus and Miss Venezuela Adriana Vasini became the first and second runner-ups respectively.
The Kentucky native failed to hold back tears as her name was announced as the Southern belle was a surprise winner after speculation focused on other contestants.
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'My time has come. I am loving it'
Photographs: Jason Lee/Reuters
"It's a cliche but this really is a dream come true. I can't believe it's happening to me. My time has come. I am loving it," said Mills after winning the crown.
India's hopes to bring the Miss World title home was dashed when Manasvi Mamgai failed to make it to top 20.
Mills, in a white sequinned gown, won over the judges panel with her 30-second speech in the spotlight.
'It will be an honour to become Miss World'
Photographs: Jason Lee/Reuters
According to a brief biography on the Miss World website, Mills who recently graduated from high school, is a vegetarian and wants to become a teacher.
The ceremony started with a traditional Chinese dance, followed by the introduction of the Miss World contestants from all parts of the globe. Puerto Rican singing sensation Carlos Aponte performed at the event.
Miss India danced to 'Devdas' track
Photographs: Jason Lee/Reuters
All the Miss World contestants performed the 'Dances of the World'.
The act started with a performance by Brazil, followed by Miss India, dressed in traditional Indian attire dancing to 'Dhai Shyam Rok Lai' from the film 'Devdas'.
Miss World Talent went to Ireland while Northern Ireland was named Miss World Sports.
Miss World Top Model title was won by Norway as Puerto Rico became Miss World Beach Beauty and Kenya was named Miss World Beauty with a Purpose.
Last Miss World from India was Priyanka Chopra in 2000
This being the 60th year of the Miss World Competition, and organizers brought back contestants from past decades to give the night a retrospective theme.
Seven previous Miss Worlds from across the decades were among the judges at the live televised final.
The first Miss World competition was held in 1951 and India, along with Venezuela, holds the record of producing the most Miss Worlds till date, with five title-holders each.
The last winner from India was Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra who brought home the title in 2000.
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