James Allen News Center

America has a new beauty queen! She may not have married into royalty like Kate Middleton, but she's certainly as beautiful as the Duchess of Cambridge!

On Sunday night, Alyssa Campanella, the bubbly auburn-haired Californian, beat out 50 other women, to win the Miss USA Pageant. Celebrity judges included Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandle, Real Housewives star Caroline Manzo, rapper Lil Jon and actress Mariel Hemingway.

Campanella won the judges over with her stunning looks and fun personality at the 60th anniversary of the beauty Pageant. During the swimsuit competition, Campanella showed off her curves in a blue polka dot bikini. Later on, the 21-year-old beauty queen sparkled in a turquoise Sherri Hill beaded evening gown.

Following the swimsuit and evening gown portions of the show, Campanella and the remaining top 4 contestants were interviewed. Campanella remained poised while answering a difficult question regarding the legalizing of marijuana.

"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 during the interview.

"I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war," she continued. "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."

During her interview, she also declared her love for history (the Tudor era specifically), admitting she was somewhat of a geek.

"I'm obsessed with the Stuart and Tudor era," Campanella said. "Whenever I go to Barnes & Noble I'm always in the history section and that is where you will find me."

Campanella, who is originally from Manalapan, N.J. but currently resides in Los Angeles, is no stranger to the pageant world. She has been competing in beauty pageants since the age of 15.

"I was going through a tough time in high school and she thought it'd be a great way for me to meet other girls throughout the state," Campanella explained. "It's Mom's fault."

In 2007 Campanella was the Miss Teen USA runner-up, where she represented New Jersey.

Campanella will be replaced by runner-up Miss Tennessee, Ashley Elizabeth Durham, if for some reason she cannot fulfill her duties, although we certainly hope that's not the case!