New Miss Universe was once a kidnap victim!

Melbourne, July 14 : Today she is on top of the Universe, but newly crowned Miss Universe 2008, Miss Venezuela has revealed that she was once kidnapped, reports News.com.au.

Glowing in a pink evening dress, Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, has been crowned Miss Universe 2008 after beating the world's most beautiful ladies from Eighty countries.

The final 15 contestants included Australia, Venezuela, Kosovo, Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Colombia, Russia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the United States and Spain.

Miss Venezuela was the topmost choice for the crown amongst the punters who bet on www.bettingzone.com

Hosted by Jerry Springer and British pop star "Scary Spice" Mel B, the ceremony saw Mendoza being awarded cash, a tiara and other prizes.

She not only gets to travel the world for a year, meeting dignitaries and charities, but will also be residing in a comfortable base of a deluxe apartment in New York City.

ANI