Miss New Jersey Places In Top 10 Of Miss USA Pageant [VIDEO]

Tinton Falls, New Jersey native Michelle Leonardo made her home state proud last night placing in the Top 10 of the 61st Annual Miss USA Pageant.

The pageant took place live from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Although she failed to advance after the night's evening gown round, the seasoned pageant veteran managed to best 41 of her fellow contestants to make it to the Top 10.

Michelle Leonardo, a former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, wowed the audience in her pink bikini and toned physique during the swimsuit competition, and she looked elegant in a white column gown heading into formal wear.

The title of Miss USA went to Rhode Island's Olivia Culpo who will now move on to compete in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant.

See Michelle Leonardo earning her title as Miss New Jersey USA.