Aussie crowned Miss Universe 2004
 Miss Australia has been named Miss Universe 2004 in a two-hour pageant watched by hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world.
Jennifer Hawkins - a 20-year-old 180cm-tall blonde with blue eyes - was chosen from among 80 beauty queens representing their respective countries.
The ceremony took place at a convention centre on the northern outskirts of Quito, where 7,500 spectators gathered to witness the crowning of the world's most beautiful woman.
Miss USA Shandi Finnessey was first runner-up, while the three other finalists were Miss Puerto Rico Alba Reyes (second runner-up); Miss Paraguay Yanina Gonzalez (third runner-up) and Miss Trinidad & Tobago Danielle Jones (fourth runner-up).
Hawkins received the crown from outgoing Miss Universe 2003, Amelia Vega, from the Dominican Republic, and then walked down the runway, smiling and waving to the cheering crowd.
She is involved in modelling and dancing, and said in a statement that she choreographs a dance team that tours Australia.
Hawkins said her interests are surfing, wakeboarding, camping with family, watching football with her father, reading, watching movies and going to see the Australian ballet.
 "We're all so proud and so excited for her," her mother Gail said from Sydney, Australia.
"I just wish I was there to give her a big cuddle. It's really hard to believe. I wonder if it's sunk in with her yet. I don't think she realises the attention she has gotten here."
Before the pageant began, singer Gloria Estefan defended the contest from critics who consider such events frivolous.
"A beautiful woman has very great powers to convince, and we have seen many misses who have done a great job," said the Cuban-American singer, who performed at the Miss Universe finals.
"The new Miss Universe should do a spectacular job helping the needy."
The two-hour finals were broadcast live around the world, and were expected to be seen by 1.5 billion television viewers in 180 countries.
All 80 contestants participated in the finals, in which the winner was to be selected from among 15 semifinalists.
The panel of judges included musician Emilio Estefan, actress Bo Derek and supermodel Petra Nemcova.
©AAP 2004
Final Results:
First Runner Up: Miss USA, Shandi Finnessey.
Second Runner Up: Miss Puerto Rico, Alba Giselle Reyes Santos.
Rest of Top Five: Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Danielle A. Jones, Miss Paraguay Yanina Gonzalez.
Rest of Top Ten: Miss Colombia, Catherine Daza Manchola, Miss Costa Rica Nancy Soto, Miss Ecuador, Susana Rivadeneira, Miss India, Tanushree Dutta, and Miss Jamaica, Christine Straw.
National Costume Award: Miss Panama, Jessica Rodriguez. Chosen by a local panel of judges during a two-hour telecast in Quito, Ecuador for the delegate who displayed her country`s pride and spirit best in costume.
Congeniality Award: Miss Italy, Laia Manetti. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate`s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.
Photogenic Award: Miss Puerto Rico, Alba Giselle Reyes Santos.
Jennifer Hawkins
 Age: 20
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Brown
Height: 5'10"
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Megan Gale (fashion model/ambassador for Australian tourism to Europe). The typical girl next door, she personifies health and beauty. She has risen to stardom yet maintains her down-to-earth charm.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you (aside from winning your title) and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
The first time I caught a wave standing up on a board. It was such an exhilarating moment. It was like being accepted into the men's club as it is such a male-dominated sport and a fundamental way of life in Newcastle.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
Presently I am a model and a choreographer, but ultimately I would like to work my way into the television networks as a presenter. I would like to utilize my contacts and experience from the modeling industry to help leverage a position on television.
List any interesting or unsual jobs you may have had.
Participated in a student designer fashion show which incorporated outrageous clothing to generate a reaction from invited guests.
Describe your childhood home and living conditions. Were you raised with a large family with lots of brothers and sisters?
I am the youngest of four children whom I look up to and who have all influenced me, particularly my parents who have been happily married for 30 years.
What one word describes you best?
Vivacious.
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