Miss Universe 1996, the 45th Miss Universe pageant, was held on May 17, 1996 at Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Alicia Machado of Venezuela was crowned by Chelsi Smith from the United States at the end of the event. 79 contestants competed in this edition.This is the second time that Las Vegas to host Miss Universe since 1991. This is the fourth Venezuelan woman to win Miss Universe since Maritza Sayalero in 1979, Irene Sáez in 1981, and Barbara Palacios in 1986.