Dominicans on Sunday celebrated as Francisca Lachapel – one of their own – was crowned "Nuestra Belleza Latina" on Univision's homonymous beauty pageant, Dominican Today reported.

The 25-year-old beat Nathalia Casco (representing Honduras), Catherine Castro (Puerto Rico) and her countrywoman Clarissa Molina to take home $200,000 in cash and prizes along with a contract to be one of the new personality faces on many of the Spanish-language television channel's programs.

"Mommy, I have a crown, I can't believe it," Lachapel exclaimed when her victory was announced. "Thanks to the public, to God and to all who've supported me!" she added.

The beauty queen, who will also enter People en Español magazine's exclusive "50 Most Beautiful" list, is a native of Azua de Compostela, a city of about 130,000 in the south of the island nation, where she attended theater classes during her childhood and adolescence. At age 20, she moved to the United States in hopes of becoming an actress, 7dias.com.do detailed.

"The 'Nuestra Belleza Latina' 2015 (winner) survived one of the hardest seasons in recent memories," LALate News judged. And while Lachapel's victory may have come as a surprise to some, Molina's early elimination was certainly unexpected, the website added; the other Dominican ended up in fourth place.

With the final challenge behind her and the crown on her head, Lachapel broke out in tears and thanked the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" jury, composed of fashion czar Osmel Sousa, style expert Jomari Goyso and actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, 7dias.com.do detailed.

For Sunday's finale, Univision had spared no expenses and put on a glamorous show: New York singer-songwriter Prince Royce and legendary bachata singer Anthony Santos united for a duet to perform "Que Cosas Tiene el Amor," while Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin sang his hit single "Disparo al Corazón."

Also on hand were Mexican Regional music singer Espinoza Paz, who performed his new ranchera, "Perdí la Pose"; former Timbiriche member Paulina Rubio, who interpreted "Mi Nuevo Vicio"; and Puerto Rican reggaeton artist J Alvarez, who performed "Temperatura."