MTV VJ and Former Miss USA, Susie Castillo and 'Passions' Star Galen Gering to Co-Host Miss Teen USA(R), Live From Baton Rouge, Louisiana on NBC

MTV VJ and Former Miss USA, Susie Castillo and 'Passions' Star Galen Gering to Co-Host Miss Teen USA(R), Live From Baton Rouge, Louisiana on NBC

Teen Sensation Aaron Carter and American Idol's Kimberley Locke Set to Perform

NEW YORK, July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization announced today that Baton Rouge, Louisiana will host the 23rd Annual MISS TEEN USA(R) Competition live from the Baton Rouge River Center Arena on NBC on August 8th, 2005 at 9 PM ET/ delayed PT.

"Louisiana's Capital City of Baton Rouge is the perfect home for Miss Teen USA 2005, as reigning Miss Teen USA Shelley Hennig is a Louisiana native. Shelley is looking forward to hosting the 51 contestants in her home state for three weeks worth of events," says Shugart. "MTV VJ and Miss USA 2003, Susie Castillo, is set to co-host with 'Passions' Heartthrob Galen Gering. Susie and Galen both have such fun personalities; I am sure they will make a great on-air combo."

Baton Rouge Pageant officials including, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, are gearing up to host the yearly event which will feature performances by Aaron Carter and Kimberley Locke.

"Not only will this pageant and its surrounding events have a tremendous economic impact on Baton Rouge, but the primetime television coverage will showcase our city to millions of viewers around the world," said Holden. "Baton Rouge is truly becoming one of America's great cities, and the Miss Teen USA competition gives us the opportunity to show the world what we have to offer."

The 75 square miles that make up the city of Baton Rouge is home to more than 230,000 residents. From the bustling campus of Louisiana State University, home to the LSU Tigers, to countless restaurants serving the country's best Cajun food, to some of the best Jazz Music in the world, Baton Rouge has a plethora of modern attractions. For the history buffs, the city boasts the famed Old State Capitol and Old Governor's Mansion as well as some of the country's oldest and most beautiful plantations along the Mississippi River.

Shelley Hennig, Miss Teen USA 2004, spent her year traveling the nation as an advocate for teen issues. She spoke to teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving and other pressures teenagers face today. Shelley will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast. Each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: Evening Gown, Swimsuit and Interview.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. By forging relationships with organizations committed to education and action, such as Sparrow Clubs, SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday) and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Miss Teen USA is dedicated to educating teenagers today.

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

CONTACT: Mary Hilliard Harrington, +1-212-373-4982, mhharrington@missuniverse.com, Esther Swan, +1-212-373-4870, eswan@missuniverse.com, Erin Cooney, +1-212-373-4868, ecooney@missuniverse.com, all of The Miss Universe Organization; or Dara Busch, +1-212-843-8079, dbusch@rubensteinpr.com, or Jill Dortheimer, +1-212-843-9201, jdortheimer@rubensteinpr.com, both of Rubenstein Public Relations, both for The Miss Universe Organization

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

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