Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007

A 20-year-old dancer from Japan, who wants to someday open an international dance school, was crowned tonight as Miss Universe 2007.

During the evening gown parade, Miss USA, Rachel Smith, slipped on the runway and landed on her bottom, although the slip didn't stop her earning fifth place.

Australia's entrant, Kimberley Busteed, and her controversial surf life-saving costume was a bust. The blonde 18-year-old from Queensland had an early night at the pageant, failing to make the first cut.

This year's contest was marked by controversy, with a handful of Mexicans booing Smith in the run-up to the finals because of what they saw as U.S. unfriendliness toward illegal immigrants.

Miss Sweden, Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, unexpectedly pulled out of the event because of complaints in her country that it degrades women.

In another hitch, Miss Mexico was made to change her outfit for the regional dress contest after her original dress, decorated with brutal images of rebels in a 1920s religious uprising being hanged or shot, drew accusations of poor taste.

Miss USA Rachel Smith, whose chances may have been dimmed when she slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition, was the contest's fourth runner-up. Also finishing in the top five were first runner-up Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.

The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors. Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico crowned her successor at the end of the two-hour telecast with the headpiece valued at $US250,000 ($305,604).

Judging Panel: NBC's "Heroes" James Kyson Lee, NBC's "Deal or No Deal" briefcase model Lindsay Clubine, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, rocker Dave Navarro, World and Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, Novela Star Mauricio Islas, "Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, and former Miss Universes Dayanara Torres (1993) and Christiane Martel (1953).

Final Results:

Miss Universe: Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, 20, the 56th winner of the title, was given her $250,000 diamond-and-pearl crown by last year's winner, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico, watched by a live audience of 10,000 and some 600 million television viewers worldwide.

First Runner Up: Miss Brazil, Natalia Guimaraes will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2007 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Venezuela, Ly Jonaitis

Third Runner Up: Miss Korea, Honey Lee;

Fourth Runner Up: Miss USA, Rachel Smith.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss India, Puja Gupta; Miss Angola, Micaela Reis; Miss Tanzania, Flaviana Matata; Miss Nicaragua, Xiomara Blandino; and Miss Mexico, Rosa Maria Ojeda Cuen.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Thailand, Farung Yuthithum; Miss Denmark, Zak lina; Sojic; Miss Slovenia, Tjasa Kokalj; Miss Ukraine, Lyudmyla Bikmullina; and Miss Czech Republic, Lucie Hadasova.

Miss Photogenic Award: Miss Philippines, Anna Theresa Licaros. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

Congeniality Award: Miss China, Ningning Zhang. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She also received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.