First Indian-American Crowned Miss America; Racist Tweets Follow

Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America 2014 Sunday night. She became the first Indian-American to win the pageant but was also the target of several racist tweets.

Nina Davuluri was announced the winner of Miss America Sunday night. She became the first American of Indian heritage to wear the crown. Although the night was filled with glory, the nation expressed their hatred and racist comments towards the winner.

Davuluri became the second consecutive Miss New York to win Miss America 2014 succeeding Mallory Hagan. The 24-year-old winner's talent routine was a Classical Bollywood fusion dance and her platform was "celebrating diversity through cultural competency."

"I'm so happy this organization has embraced diversity," she said in her first press conference after winning the crown in Atlantic City, N.J.'s Boardwalk Hall, reports Washington Post. "I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America."

Davuluri defeated contestants from 53 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in a three-day swimsuit, evening gown, talent, and interview competition. The first runner up was an Asian-American, Miss California Crystal Lee and other top 5 finalists included Miss Minnesota, Rebecca Yeh; Miss Florida, Myrrhanda Jones, and Miss Oklahoma, Kelsey Griswold.

As the famous saying goes, all great things come with a price, Davuluri faced a terrible backlash from several Americans who were upset of the fact that the crown went to someone with an Indian heritage.

Several hate and racist tweets poured in as Davuluri was crowned the winner.

Not all Americans were unhappy about the pageant's decision; some even praised and accepted Davuluri as the new Miss America.

The night was a remarkable, unforgettable memory for Davuluri. The New York based model plans on becoming a doctor with the $50,000 scholarship she won with the title. She also brushed off all the racist comments and moved on with a positive spirit.

"I have to rise above that," she said, according to the report. "I always viewed myself as first and foremost American."

Miss America started in Atlantic City in 1921 and after a six-year stint in Las Vegas, the pageant returned to the home city.

"This is where we belong," Sam Haskell, CEO of the Miss America Organization told The Associated Press. "This is the home of Miss America, and this is where we're going to stay."

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