Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday night. Over 600 million viewers worldwide tuned in to see who would win the title.

Mori, 20, the 56th winner of the title, was given her $250,000 diamond-and-pearl crown by last year’s winner, Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico, watched by a live audience of 10,000 and some 600 million television viewers worldwide.

During the evening gown parade, Miss USA, Rachel Smith, slipped on the runway and landed on her bottom, although the slip didn’t stop her earning fifth place.

This year’s contest was marked by controversy, with a handful of Mexicans booing Smith in the run-up to the finals because of what they saw as U.S. unfriendliness toward illegal immigrants.

Miss Sweden withdrew from the pageant earlier in the week over the problematic image the pageant has had in recent months.

The Top 5 Finalists

1. Riyo Mori, Miss Japan
2. Honey Lee, Miss Korea
3. Natalie Guimares, Miss Brazil
4. Rachel Smith, Miss USA
5. Ly Jonaitis, Miss Venezuela

Click to watch video of Riyo being crowned Miss Universe 2007