When was the last time you've seen a Rhode Islander winning a crown? Hmmm, its been a while actually and the truth is, it was all fiction. Remember the movie Miss Congeniality starring Sandra Bullock? The movie may evoke memories of comedy and the harshness of the beauty pageant world but somehow, having the script picking up Rhode Island as the winner is a subtle indication that this small state is actually unheard of in the world of beauty pageants. But that was before and with the victory of Olivia Culpo at the Miss USA contest, Rhode Island is having the last laugh.

A few days back Olivia is back in her native The Ocean State. She paraded on a bus for a breast cancer foundation, spent her 4th of July at home and was feted in her hometown of Cranston. She was welcomed by her town's mayor where she was given the town's key and a tree was planted in her honor.

Olivia had been seen as a strong evidence that the so-called "fierce era" is over at the Miss USA and Miss Universe contest. It is a suggestion or a theory that the two pageants are now selecting sweet aura girls over the more vivacious and outgoing beauties. Lately, the beauty watchers have noted that Olivia is showing up her more extrovert side which is a sign that she is up for the Miss Universe challenge. Many pundits are pointing out her height as a main problem. Similarly, pundits have also pointed out the body structure of last year's winner Alyssa Campanella as a potential weakness. Needless to say, they were right. Will Olivia be outshone in the international competition as well because of her height?

Some of the homecoming photos of Olivia provided by Miss USA Organization.