Miss Universe Organization Partners With CoverGirl Cosmetics Offering the Public a First-Time-Opportunity to Help Crown Miss USA 2005 on NBC

Miss Universe Organization Partners With CoverGirl Cosmetics Offering the Public a First-Time-Opportunity to Help Crown Miss USA 2005 on NBC

NEW YORK, March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization announced today that the Miss Universe Organization, producer of the internationally distributed MISS USA(R), MISS UNIVERSE(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants has inked a two-year contract with CoverGirl, making the beauty-product-giant the official cosmetics sponsor of all three competitions.

To launch the exciting new partnership the two companies have announced several ways in which they will work together to make CoverGirl an integral part of MISS USA(R) 2005.

* CoverGirl.com will feature exclusive photos and interviews with all 51 MISS USA(R) contestants which the general public will have the opportunity to vote on April 1st through April 6th. Viewers vote for their favorite top 10, based on three categories: Evening Gown, Swimsuit and Interview. The compilation of these ballots will act as a "virtual judge" filling one spot on the preliminary judging panel.

* All visitors to CoverGirl.com will have the chance to enter a sweepstakes giving them a chance to win a trip to MISS USA(R) 2006. Visitors can also receive a free sample of CoverGirl Outlast Liquid Makeup, the official makeup of the MISS USA(R) Pageant, at the site.

* Molly Sims, CoverGirl Spokesmodel and star of NBC's hit show Las Vegas, will serve as one of the celebrity judges in the live telecast on NBC on April 11, 2005 (9PM ET/Delayed PT).

"Our partnership with CoverGirl is nothing short of groundbreaking," said Shugart. "By facilitating this unprecedented opportunity for the public to cast their vote, CoverGirl is exemplifying the same vision they had when they literally jettisoned the cosmetics business to what it is today. The relationship between CoverGirl and the Miss Universe Organization is a natural fit as both companies are dedicated to empowering women and both value inner and outer beauty."

"We are thrilled to partner with the Miss Universe Organization for MISS USA(R) 2005, especially this year because the Pageant is being held in Baltimore, CoverGirl's hometown. With our unprecedented partnership, we are pleased to offer the public the opportunity to vote online and help crown Miss USA 2005," said Anne Martin, Vice President, Global Cosmetics and Beauty Marketing, Procter & Gamble.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE (R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. 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, such as the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and Gilda's Club.

Two billion times a day, Procter & Gamble brands, such as CoverGirl(R), touch the lives of people around the world. P&G's beauty business had more than $17 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2003/04, making it one of the world's largest beauty companies. The beauty business sells more than 130 different brands in over 180 countries worldwide. Its beauty brands include Pantene(R), Head and Shoulders(R), Olay(R), SK-II(R), Max Factor(R), Cover Girl(R), Joy(R), Hugo Boss(R), Herbal Essences(R) and Clairol Nice 'n Easy(R). Please visit http://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

Source: Miss Universe Organization

CONTACT: Mary Hilliard McMillan, +1-212-373-4982, mhmcmillan@missuniverse.com, Esther Swan, +1-212-373-4870, eswan@missuniverse.com, or Erin Cooney, +1-212-373-4868, ecooney@missuniverse.com, all of Miss Universe Organization

Web site: http://www.missuniverse.com/ http://www.pg.com/

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