And the next Miss USA is..... MISS CALIFORNIA

Congratulations to Miss California, Alyssa Campanella, for being crowned Miss USA 2011. The 60th anniversary of the Miss USA pageant was held last night at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 51 beautiful contestants participated, each from the 50 states and District of Columbia, with California taking home the crown.

Alyssa Campanella is a gorgeous red head who deserved the win. Alyssa is 21 years old and was born and raised in New Jersey, but currently is a model living in Los Angeles. Alyssa is of Swedish decent and a natural blonde, but changed her hair color a few years ago after she dyed it for a play.

Alyssa wowed in the swimsuit competition and in the gown portion as well, picking a lovely green gown that complemented her red locks. But perhaps what got her the win was her answer to ever important final judges question. The question she was asked was about her thoughts on legalizing marijuana, its affect on the economy and drug wars. Alyssa responded fairly well stating:

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. 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.

As newly crowned Miss USA, Alyssa will be moving to New York to live in the Trump Tower where she will be living with Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe. Alyssa will later compete in the Miss Universe Pageant in São Paulo, Brasil taking place September 12.