DONALD TRUMP JR., ROBERTO CAVALLI, NADINE VELAZQUEZ, JENNIFER HAWKINS, LOUIS LICARI AND JOHN NGUYEN TO JUDGE THE 2008 MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT ON NBC JULY 13
Lady GaGa to Perform Her Hit Song "Just Dance" During the Live Telecast from Vietnam
New York, NY - July 7, 2008 - NBC Universal, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, today announced the celebrity judges for the 2008 Miss UNIVERSE Pageant, which airs live on NBC (simulcast on Telemundo) from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam on Sunday, July 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET (delayed PT).
The judges are: Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; fashion designer and entrepreneur Roberto Cavalli; Nadine Velazquez, international cover girl and star of NBC's "My Name Is Earl"; Jennifer Hawkins, television presenter and Miss Universe 2004; Louis Licari, celebrity colorist and "Today Show" ambush makeover expert and John Nguyen, Vice Chairman of Hoan Cau, LTD Investment and Construction. As previously announced, Jerry Springer and Mel B will host the live telecast of the 57th Annual Miss Universe competition.
The sensational pop star Lady GaGa will be performing her hit "Just Dance" on the telecast. Lady GaGa's dance-pop, electro-pop and disco sound has rocked venues around the world and is expected to bring the same excitement to Vietnam. Her debut album, "The Fame" will be released this fall.
Each contestant, representing 80 countries and territories 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 2008.
To purchase tickets for the telecast visit: www.unicorp.vn/ticket/.
ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION
The MISS UNIVERSE, MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA 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.
