Laura Kaeppeler Wins Miss America 2012

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler is the new Miss America .

The 23-year-old won the pageant and it's $50,000 prize on Saturday in Las Vegas .

But before Kaeppeler was crowned Miss America , she first sang opera , strutted her stuff in a white bikini , and gracefylly walked across the stage in a black gown .

Laura Kaeppeler was questioned whether pageant contestants should share their politic beliefs .

She said , "Miss America represents everyone , so I think the message to political candidates is that represent everyone as well."

"In these economic times , we need to be looking forward to what America needs and I think Miss America needs to represent all ," said Kaeppeler .

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson came in second , and Miss New York Kaitlyn Monte took thrid place .

While she wears the crown , Kaeppeler will champion the cause of mentoring kids whose parents are behind bars .

Kaeppeler own father , Jeff spent 18 months in a federal prison for mail fraud .

Who was you rooting for to win Miss America ?