Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Australia, has been chosen as Miss Universe 2004.

The 20-year-old delegate from Sydney, was crowned at the conclusion of the 53rd Annual broadcast on the NBC Television Network live from Quito, Ecuador. The youngest of four children, Jennifer is a model and a choreographer with hopes of getting into television broadcasting.

Billy Bush, Access Hollywood correspondent and actress/model Daisy Fuentes once again hosted the live telecast with two sizzling performances by the queen of Latin pop Gloria Estefan. The telecast panel was comprised of Petra Nemcova, Sports Illustrated supermodel; Bill Kancic, Apprentice winner; Vice President of Global Cosmetics and Marketing of Proctor & Gamble Cosmetics Anne Martin; the "perfect ten," Bo Derek; Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998; music producer, Emilio Estefan; Jon Tutolo, president of Trump Model Management; supermodel Elsa Benitez, Jefferson Perez, 1996 Ecuadorian Olympic Gold Medallist; supermodel Monique Menniken and Katie Fitz, the Today Show, "You Be The Judge" contest winner.

Throughout the two-hour event, the delegates competed in three categories, including swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 600 hundred million in over 180 countries.

The first runner up was Shandi Finnessey, Miss USA, who will assume the duties of Miss Universe 2004 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

The second runner up was Alba Giselle Reyes Santos, Miss Puerto Rico. Other finalists were Danielle A. Jones, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Yanina Gonzalez, Miss Paraguay. Catherine Daza Manchola, Miss Colombia, Nancy Soto, Miss Costa Rica, Susana Rivadeneira, Miss Ecuador, Tanushree Dutta, Miss India, Christine Straw, Miss Jamaica.

The national costume award went to Miss Panama, Jessica Rodriguez. Chosen by a local panel of judges during a two-hour telecast in Quito, Ecuador for the delegate who displayed her country's pride and spirit best in costume.

The congeniality award was given to Miss Italy, Laia Manetti. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.

Miss Puerto Rico, Alba Giselle Reyes Santos, was voted most photogenic for exemplifying beauty through the lens of a camera.

Sponsors of Miss Universe 2004 include Endless Sun Apparel, "Official Swimsuit;" Preciosa Crystal, "Official Crystal Award; "Tadashi Fashions "Official Fashion" sponsor; " Mikimoto "Official Jewelry" sponsor, CoverGirl "Official Cosmetic" sponsor, The School for Film and Television, Shop NBC, and NINA Shoes, "Official Fashion Footwear."

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership.