Quito (Ecuador): Miss Australia, Jennifer Hawkins, was crowned Miss Universe 2004 in a two-hour pageant in this Andean capital watched by hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world.

Hawkins, a 20-year-old 5' 11" tall blonde with blue eyes, was chosen last night (June 1, 2004) from among 80 contenders representing their respective countries.

Miss USA, Shandi Finnessey, was the first runner-up.

The ceremony took place at a convention centre on the northern outskirts of Quito, where 7,500 spectators gathered to witness the crowning of the world's most beautiful woman.

The three other finalists were Miss Puerto Rico Alba Reyes, second runner-up; Miss Paraguay Yanina Gonzalez, third runner-up and Miss Trinidad & Tobago Danielle Jones, fourth runner-up.

Hawkins and Finnessey hugged before the winner was announced.

Hawkins received the crown from outgoing Miss Universe 2003, Amelia Vega, from the Dominican Republic, and then walked down the runway, smiling and waving to the cheering crowd.

She is involved in modelling and dancing and said in a press release that she choreographs a dance team that tours Australia. She said her interests are surfing, wakeboarding, camping with family, watching football with her father, reading, watching movies and going to see the Australian ballet.

The finalists were announced after 10 semi-finalists paraded in swimsuits before the crowd.