Miss Venezuela named winner of the 2009 Miss Universe pageant for 2nd straight year

Venezuela wins Miss Universe crown again

NASSAU, Bahamas — Miss Venezuela has been named winner of the 2009 Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas.

Stefania Fernandez was crowned Sunday night. Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz, was the runner up.

The televised event included musical performances by Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.

Hosts were Billy Bush, co-anchor of “Access Hollywood,” and Claudia Jordan, former Miss Rhode Island USA who has appeared on several TV shows. Judges include actor Dean Cain and supermodel Valeria Mazza.

Miss China, Wang Jingyao, was named Miss Congeniality and Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej, won Miss Photogenic.