Miss USA 2014 was crowned on Sunday at the Baton Rouge River Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Marking the 63rd time a winner was crowned in the pageant’s history, the 2014 title went to Miss Nevada USA Nia Sanchez. The 24-year-old from Las Vegas is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is also a model. The live telecast was hosted by E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic and MSNBC’s Way Too Early host Thomas Roberts.

The show was replete with top notch music performances in addition to the lineup of beautiful contestants. Georgia Florida Line sang with Nelly. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Horns, Marc Broussard, and Latin band Camila also provided entertainment throughout the pageant.

The Miss USA 2014 first runner up is Miss North Dakota USA, Audra Mari. She will assume the role of Miss USA 2014 if for any reason Nia Sanchez is unable to fulfill her obligations.

SPOILER ALERT: Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss USA 2014, Nia Sanchez from Nevada!!!!

— Nia Sanchez (@MissUSA) June 9, 2014

Nia Sanchez competed in the evening gown portion of the pageant wearing a beautiful red floor-length fishtail gown. During the final round of the question and answer portion she was asked what should be done to curb sexual assaults of undergraduate women on college campuses. She replied saying that women must “take it upon themselves to learn how to defend themselves.” Nia was crowned Miss USA 2014 by the 2013 reigning queen Erin Brady from Connecticut.

The Crowning Moment is only minutes away. Who are you rooting for?! #MissUSA

— Nia Sanchez (@MissUSA) June 9, 2014

After being crowned Miss USA 2014 Nia told the press she wants to spread her knowledge of martial arts so that women can learn to defend themselves from attacks or rape attempts. She also said she was “so proud to bring the title of Miss USA back to Nevada.”

“I’m so excited. It’s a dream come true,” she added.

The new Miss Usa, Nia Sanchez a few minutes ago in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/m6Bpd0WXbK

— MissUniversUsa.com (@MissUniversNEWS) June 9, 2014

Miss North Dakota Audra Mari and Miss Georgia Tiana Griggs were announced as the pageant’s first and second runners-up, respectively.

Congratulations to Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez as she begins a whirlwind year representing the USA and serving as a spokeswoman for her chosen cause.

Image via Twitter