The Miss USA(R) Competition Returns To Las Vegas!

The Miss USA(R) Competition Returns To Las Vegas!

Miss USA(R) 2009 and Miss USA(R) 2010 will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

NEW YORK, November 6, 2008 -- Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today that the Miss Universe Organization has signed a two-year deal with the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to act as host hotel and venue for the celebrated annual Miss USA(R) telecast. The 2009 competition will air live on NBC on Sunday, April 19th at the Theatre for the Performing Arts located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

"Returning to Vegas was not a difficult decision to make. The great success of working together in 2008 with the collaboration from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, combined with the support of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority was so incredible we decided to come back for the next two years," said Shugart. "Last year's contestants had a great time in the desert seeing many of the attractions Las Vegas offers. We can't wait to show this year's delegates and our viewers more of this exciting city!"

"Signature special events are home to Las Vegas" said Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "This event is truly a great partnership, leveraging the strength of each brand. Las Vegas is excited to once again host the Miss USA pageant."

"We are delighted to welcome back the Miss Universe Organization," said Robert Earl, co-chairman of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. "It is especially gratifying to know that we have the pleasure of hosting the Miss USA Pageant for the next two years. As an annual event the Miss USA Pageant turns the national spotlight on Las Vegas and all it has to offer and is a huge win for the entire Las Vegas community. The partnership with the Miss Universe Organization, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Planet Hollywood has proven to be very successful."

Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart, who was crowned at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on April 11th, 2008 has been traveling the nation as an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness, education, research and legislation. She will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated viewing audience, in the U.S. alone, of over 7 million. Each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The show will conclude with one contestant ultimately being crowned Miss USA(R) 2009.

Along with executive producer Donald J. Trump, Phil Gurin and the Gurin Company will again produce MISS USA(R) 2009.

The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas is the official Host Hotel of MISS USA(R) 2009. The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants, is a joint venture between Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, Miss USA is equipped to educate women today.

PRESS CONTACTS:

NBC Universal
Meredith Fitzpatrick
meredith.fitzpatrick@nbcuni.com
(818) 777-2879

The Miss Universe Organization
Lark-Marie Anton
lanton@missuniverse.com
(212) 373-4982

Esther Swan
eswan@missuniverse.com
(212) 373-4870

Rubenstein Public Relations
Dara Busch
dbusch@rubensteinpr.com
(212) 843-8079

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Amy Sadowsky
asadowsky@planethollywood.com
(702) 785-9155

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors
Authority Aurrice Duke, R&R Partners
Aurrice.Duke@rrpartners.com
(702) 318-4225

/PRNewswire - Nov. 6/

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

Web Site: www.missuniverse.com

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