Miss Universe Organization Announces Andy Cohen (Bravo) and Giuliana Rancic (E! News) As Hosts for the 2012 Miss Universe® Competition

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Donald J. Trump, NBCUniversal and Miss Universe President Paula M. Shugart, announced today that Andy Cohen, host of Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" and Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of "E! News," will host the 61^st Annual MISS UNIVERSE^® Competition airing live on December 19, 2012 from PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The glamorous live event will air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET in the United States with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.

"The Miss Universe competition heads to Las Vegas for what will be another exciting show for our fans and contestants," said Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "Andy and Giuliana are the perfect duo and the ideal hosts for this show. It's obvious they have a lot of fun on stage, which in turn makes it a great experience for the audience. We look forward to collaborating with them and our partners, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, on this worldwide telecast."

Returning as host of Miss Universe, Andy Cohen is the host and executive producer of "Watch What Happens Live," Bravo's late night, interactive talk show that features guests from some of Bravo's most popular series, as well as from the world of entertainment, politics and pop culture. He is also the executive vice president of development and talent for Bravo where he oversees the development and production of more than two dozen shows such as "Top Chef," "The Real Housewives" franchises and "The Millionaire Matchmaker."

Giuliana Rancic is an anchor of "E! News" and co-host of E!'s hugely popular "Fashion Police." She is also the executive producer/star of her hit Style Network reality show, "Giuliana & Bill." Rancic can also be seen co-hosting E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet"  coverage of events such as the Golden Globes. While she has twice hosted the Miss USA competition, this marks the first time she hosts Miss Universe.

Located along the Las Vegas Strip, the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the newest member of Caesars Entertainment offering guests nearly three acres of casino entertainment. Almost 90 contestants from around the world will land at the hotel and spend nearly three weeks participating in various activities leading up to the telecast. They will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2012. Angolan-beauty Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour telecast.

The Miss Universe telecast is televised in approximately 190 countries and was the #1 social media trending topic during last year's telecast. More than 1 billion viewers worldwide are expected to tune in for the live event.

ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE^®PAGEANT

The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBCUniversal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. The organization is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health issues. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMissUniverse; or Twitter: @MissUniverse.

SOURCE Miss Universe Organization