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MANILA - A beauty queen from Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the Atlantis Resort Paradise Island in the Bahamas Monday (Manila time).

Stefania Fernandez bested 83 candidates from around the world to become the 58th Miss Universe.

It was also the first time in the pageant's history that the same nation won the contest for two years in a row. Last year's Miss Universe was Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha were 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, respectively. The 3rd and 4th runners-up were Miss Australia Rachael Finch and Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez.

In a press conference held right after the pageant, the 18-year-old Venezuelan beauty said she was shocked and “fireworks went off” after she was declared this year’s Miss Universe. She also thanked her supporters as well as her detractors who earlier predicted that she would not make it to the top 15.

Fernandez outsmarted the four top finalists during the question-and-answer portion. Asked by judge Andre Leon Talley what women can do to overcome obstacles in achieving their goals, the Venezuelan beauty answered: “I believe that nowadays we, women, have overcome many obstacles and I do believe that we have reached the same level as men have. We must realize there are no longer barriers amongst us.”

Earlier in the competition, the Miss Congeniality award was given to Miss China Wang Jingyao. Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej, on the other hand, was voted Miss Photogenic.

The beauty pageant was hosted by “Access Hollywood” co-anchor Billy Bush and “Celebrity Apprentice” star Claudia Jordan. Rapper Flo Rida, singers David Guetta and Kelly Rowland and reality star Heidi Montag also performed during the coronation night.

The winner will spend a year holding the title, traveling to events and fundraisers and promoting products and charity work.

Ms. Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo failed to make the top 15. There were also no other Asian candidates in the top 15.

Despite this, Manalo’s parents said they are very proud of her and happy with the way she represented the Philippines. Likewise, Filipinos in the Bahamas said the Philippine bet to the most prestigious beauty contest had made her country proud.

It has been 36 years since the Philippines won the Miss Universe title, courtesy of Margie Moran in 1973. Gloria Diaz was the first Philippine bet to take home the Miss Universe crown in 1969.