Jerry Springer, Mel B Take on Miss Universe
The Miss Universe Organization is getting a dose of Spice. And chair-throwing sleaze.
The Donald Trump-owned brand has tapped Melanie Brown (aka Mel B) and Jerry Springer to host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant, which airs live on NBC July 13, direct from the Crown Convention Center in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.
“This is obviously a great honor and getting to work alongside Mel B makes it even better,” Springer, who’s currently enmeshed in his second season as emcee of America’s Got Talent, said of his fellow Dancing with the Stars also-ran.
“I’m thrilled to be a cohost of the Miss Universe Pageant,” Brown added. “I believe the diversity and dedication that the pageant brings inspires and empowers young women across the globe.”
And considering what a veritable gateway to the hosting world that DWTS has become, these two are only the latest ballroom types to mingle with the sash-and-tiara crowd.
Mario Lopez was behind the mic three times last year, for Miss America, Miss and Universe and Miss Teen USA (which he’d also hosted twice before DWTS even existed), on the third of which Joey Lawrence also served as a judge.
Drew Lachey cohosted the 2006 Miss USA Pageant, shortly after his season-two DWTS win and season-three champ Emmitt Smith served as a judge at Miss Universe that year, as well.
Further down the food chain, Shanna Moakleractually was Miss USA in 1995, as was Shandi Finnessy in 2004, and Willa Ford cohosted Miss Teen USA in 2002.
Springer and a Spice Girl to host the Miss Universe pageant
Jerry Springer and Mel B will host the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant live from Vietnam. Both Springer and the former “Scary Spice” are excited about the pageant. Mel B, former contestant on Dancing with the Stars, exclaims, “I’m thrilled to be a co-host of the Miss Universe Pageant. I believe the diversity and dedication that the pageant brings inspires and empowers young women across the globe.” Springer, host of the hit summer show America’s Got Talent, is also happy to take on the hosting duties. He says, “”This is obviously a great honor and getting to work alongside Mel B makes it even better.”
The competition will feature contestants from eighty countries. Each pageant hopeful will be judged on three categories: swimsuit (the eye-candy category), evening gown (the shameless endorsement category) , and interview (the “We swear, we didn’t just want to see them in swimsuits.” category). Last year’s winner Riyo Mori of Japan will be on hand to crown this year’s Miss Universe.
The Miss Universe Pageant will air on July 13th at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC (and simulcast on Telemundo).
Cheryl Burke’s a Hawaiian Beach Babe
Cheryl Burke’s a Hawaiian Beach Babe
Enjoying the family vacation that she hoped to fit into her busy schedule, “Dancing With the Stars” star Cheryl Burke has been showing off her curvy body on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, over the past few days.
The 24-year-old Emmy nominated professional dancer splashed around in the warm waters with a gal pal, sporting a super sexy red bikini.
Prior to deciding to pack her bags and head towards tropical paradise, Cheryl spoke with press about her summer plans.
“I’m flying back and forth to San Francisco a lot,” she said, “and also trying to take a vacation. I haven’t taken a vacation in three years, because normally we go on tour [in the summer]. I have the time, and the sun, to just chill and relax and spend time in my dance studio.”
Kim Kardashian: London Calling
Kim Kardashian: London Calling
Still taking a break from her West Coast duties, Kim Kardashian continued her European getaway by paying a visit to London, England for the UK premiere of “Hancock.”
And the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” babe showed the Brits what American eye candy is all about in a multicolored floor-length cleavage-baring evening gown with curly dark locks.
Back here in the States, KK has been nominated for two Teen Choice awards. And she’s so excited, she’s already posted a blog entry on her official website thanking her fans.
It reads:
“Hey guys, I just found out that I’ve been nominated for two ‘Teen Choice’ awards this year!
I’m nominated for “Choice TV Female Reality Star” (along with Heidi Montag from The Hills, Lauren Conrad from The Hills, Whitney Thompson from America’s Next Top Model, and Kristi Yamaguchi from Dancing with the Stars).
Our show, Keeping Up with the Kardashian, is also nominated for “Choice TV Celebrity Reality Show” (along with Life of Ryan, Bob & Big, Run’s House, and The Hills).
I’m SO excited for this opportunity, and thankful that my fans thought of me in these categories! Everyone tune into FOX on August 4th to watch and see who wins! Until then, drop a comment and let me know who your favorite teen star is!”