In its sensational sixth season grand finale broadcast last night, Univision’s top-rated reality competition “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (Our Latin Beauty) crowned its newest representative of the ideal contemporary Latin woman: Vanessa deRoide from Puerto Rico. Alternating between laughter and tears, the visibly emotional De Roide took the traditional victory walk wearing the coveted crown that comes with $250,000 in cash and prizes and an exclusive contract with the Univision Network.

Four finalists made it to the last episode, a nail-biting competition where only the viewers had the power to determine the outcome. A record number of “Nuestra Belleza Latina” fans from coast to coast had their say — over six million votes were cast via telephone or text messages, making this the highest viewer participation of the season and even beating last season’s finale. The majority of viewers chose De Roide as their top pick.

“I’m absolutely thrilled about being elected ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ and having the privilege of representing the modern Hispanic woman, as my five predecessors have done so well,” said De Roide. “I hope to become a positive role model for young Latinas everywhere, inspiring them to pursue their goals no matter how impossible they may seem—because I’m living proof that dreams do come true if you work hard, persevere, and always give the best of yourself. To all the fans who voted for me, thank you! I will not let you down.”

During the two-hour broadcast leading up to the announcement of the winner, the four finalists took part in a final round of challenges that highlighted their talents and brought back the eight previously eliminated contestants. Karol Scott did a Brazilian dance number withChanty Vargas and Naomi Marroquín; Vanessa de Roide sang accompanied by Shalimar Rivera and Tatiana Ares; Setareh Khatibi displayed her comedic skills in an impersonation of La India María, supported by Ligia de Uriarte, Ivanna Rodríguez, and Fanny Vargas; and Nataliz Jiménez danced to one of Pitbull’s hit songs, alongside Elizabeth Robaina.

Two of Latin music’s biggest stars were on hand to add celebrity power and pizzazz to the grand finale. World-famous Latin rock superstar Juanes opened the show with one of his biggest hits, “Me Enamora,” in a special appearance prior to the May 29 launch of his new album “MTV Unplugged,” while Spanish pop sensation David Bisbal performed his latest hit, “El Ruido.” In addition, Gabriel Soto, star of Univision’s blockbuster novela “La Fuerza del Destino” and the upcoming production “Un Refugio Para el Amor,” led the competition’s judges in an acting exercise that was a first on Hispanic television.

In a bold move that extends the “Nuestra Belleza Latina” brand beyond the U.S., and building on its enormous success here and in Puerto Rico, host Giselle Blondet announced that beginning next season the show will hold international auditions, opening the door for Latin beauties from all over the Spanish-speaking world to compete in Univision’s original pageant.