2012 Miss America Pageant

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2012 Miss America Pageant

The 2012 Miss America Pageant Saturday was held Jan. 14, 2012 at The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler reacts after being crowned Miss America Saturday Jan. 14, 2012 at The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler reacts after being crowned Miss America.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler reacts after being crowned Miss America and receiving her sash.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler won the pageant Saturday night after strutting in a white bikini and black beaded evening gown, singing opera and answering a question about whether beauty queens should declare their politics by saying Miss America represents everyone.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler competes during the talent round by singing opera during the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler, left, Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson, Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler, Miss New York Kaitlin Monte and Miss California Noelle Freeman compete as the top five finalists.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler, left, Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson and Miss New York Kaitlin Monte react as Monte is named second runner up.

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler, left and Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson react as Kaeppeler is named Miss America.

Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte competes during the 2012 Miss America Pageant. Monte placed third in the pageant.

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson competes during the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

Chris Harrison and Brooke Burke Host the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

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Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler reacts after being crowned Miss America Saturday Jan. 14, 2012 at The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

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