Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is Miss Universe 2009

ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND - Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009 here Monday, beating 84 contenders in the 58th edition of the annual pageant.

Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela placed the glittering $120,000 crown on 18-year-old Fernandez who looked pretty in a red evening gown.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada de la Cruz was crowned the first runner up, while Miss Kosovo Marigona Dragusha was declared the second runner up.

The five contestants in the final round, selected from 84 candidates worldwide, competed for the crown at a grand show in which American singer and TV artist Heidi Montag performed live.