Stevenson (right) with husband Donald Upton in 1956
At Miss Universe, Stevenson received a tied final score with Martha Rocha of Brazil. In order to break the tie, the woman deemed to have the better physique was crowned the winner, due to a major sponsor of the pageant being Catalina Swimwear. This was determined to be Stevenson, due to having "fitter" hips than Rocha. She was crowned Miss Universe by outgoing titleholder Christiane Martel of France.[3] At the end of her reign, she crowned Hillevi Rombin of Sweden as Miss Universe 1955.