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.
*waves a flag*
Aussie crowned Miss Universe 2004 
