Alyssa Campanella's first walk as Miss USA 2011
Miss California Alyssa Campanella took the crown at Sunday night's Miss USA pageant, beating out 50 other beauties at the event at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Campanella, who originally hails from New Jersey but now lives in Los Angeles, will represent the United States at this year's Miss Universe pageant in September in Brazil.
Auburn-haired Campanella, 21, took the stage donning both a turquoise gown and a blue and white polka dot bikini for the event's evening gown and swimsuit portions, and she answered a question regarding the legalization of marijuana for the Q&A section of the competition.
"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," Campanella said.
"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."
Ashley Durham, Miss Tennessee, was the first runner-up in Sunday night's competition. Contestants from Alabama and Texas placed third and fourth.
Kia Ben-et Hampton, Miss Kentucky, won Miss Congeniality USA, while Miss Arizona Brittany Dawn Brannon won Miss Photogenic USA.
Brittany Dawn Brannon is Miss fotogenis USA 2011
Kia Ben-et Hampton is Miss congeniality USA 2011