'America's Got Talent' Host Jerry Springer and Spice Girl Mel B to Host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant Live from Vietnam on July 13

'America's Got Talent' Host Jerry Springer and Spice Girl Mel B to Host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant Live from Vietnam on July 13

NEW YORK, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization announced today that the host of NBC's hit summer show, "America's Got Talent," Jerry Springer and actress/singer Mel B will host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant live on NBC (simulcast on Telemundo) from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam on Sunday, July 13th at 9:00 p.m. ET (delayed PT).

"This is obviously a great honor and getting to work alongside Mel B makes it even better," said Springer.

"I'm thrilled to be a co-host of the Miss Universe Pageant," said Mel B. "I believe the diversity and dedication that the pageant brings inspires and empowers young women across the globe."

Cultural icon Jerry Springer, host for 17 seasons of the hit talk show "The Jerry Springer Show," as well as the host of "America's Got Talent," boasts a resume that includes such diverse roles as: Mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning newscaster, country recording artist, international emcee, TV personality, author, movie star, progressive talk- radio broadcaster and ballroom dancer on the hit "Dancing with the Stars." His popularity has also led him to be a favorite guest-speaker at college campuses across the country, not to mention a special guest lecturer at Oxford University in England. Springer has also added a Broadway appearance to his distinguished list of achievements, starring for a week in the production of the "Rocky Horror Show Live."

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, has made her mark as an accomplished singer, actress, producer, designer and TV personality. Mel B became a household name as "Scary Spice," one of the members of the iconic girl group the Spice Girls. She has appeared in numerous TV specials, shows and films as well as on Broadway in the hugely successful musical "Rent." Mel B is currently working on her third solo album, slated for release in early 2009. Her newest project, "The Singing Office," will premiere on TLC later this month, with Mel serving as Executive Producer and Co-Host. Additionally, she was a finalist on the fifth season of "Dancing with the Stars," where she became a fan favorite with her dance experience and fun disposition on the dance floor. She has since become a special events correspondent for "Access Hollywood."

Each contestant, representing 80 countries from around the world, will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2008. The Miss Universe show is an internationally celebrated event with distribution in more than 170 countries.

Japan native, Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.

Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin of The Gurin Company will again serve as Executive Producers for MISS UNIVERSE(R) 2008.

   To purchase tickets for the telecast visit: www.unicorp.vn/ticket/.    About The Miss Universe Organization  

The MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, APICHA and Gay Men's Health Crisis, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today. For more information visit: www.missuniverse.com.

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

CONTACT: Meredith Fitzpatrick of NBC, +1-818-840-4295,
meredith.fitzpatrick@nbcuni.com; Lark-Marie Anton, lanton@missuniverse.com,
Esther Swan, eswan@missuniverse.com, or Joyce Lee, jlee@missuniverse.com, all
of The Miss Universe Organization, +1-212-373-4999; or Dara Busch of
Rubenstein Public Relations, +1-212-843-8079, dbusch@rubensteinpr.com, for The
Miss Universe Organization

Web site: http://www.missuniverse.com/
http://www.unicorp.vn/ticket

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Profile: International Entertainment