Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe 2006 during the ceremony held last night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The 18-year-old beauty queen was chosen from the 20 semi-finalists and, for an entire year, will travel around the world to promote awareness and education about HIV/AIDS.

The newly appointed most beautiful woman in the world spoke in Spanish when offered the diamond and pearl studded tiara (estimated at around $250,000) and expressed her total surprise at being chosen Miss Universe. Nevertheless, she made clear her intention of continuing the work of her predecessor, Natalie Glebova of Canada.

'Physically, I have been told by modeling agencies and friends that I represent the consummate Latino look. Everything in my face expresses our heritage, our music and the wonderful mixes of races that we are. [...] I want to tell those people there's always problems in life, but there's always possibilities to improve things', said the beauty in her acceptance speech.

Later in the evening, after most of the press had left, Rivera lingered on the stage as she still answered questions and received congratulations. At one point, she was seen resting her head on the shoulder of one assistant and, seconds later, fell into his arms.

She was rushed off the stage and didn't appear again that night. One of the pageant officials came out and said, quote, 'She's OK. She's fine. She got dizzy. It's very hot up here. Her dress is tight as you could see it was beaded and heavy... She passed out'. People from backstage said that Rivera had enough to eat that day and never complained of feeling sick.