EMMY(R) AWARD WINNER JULIANNE HOUGH ANNOUNCED AS CO-HOST AND CREATIVE PRODUCER OF THE 2016 MISS USA(R) COMPETITION

THE THREE-HOUR LIVE EVENT AIRS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 5, ON FOX

Emmy(R) Award winner Julianne Hough was today announced as co-host and creative producer of the 2016 MISS USA(R) Competition. Hough will join Emmy(R) Award Nominee Terrence "J" Jenkins on stage this Sunday, June 5 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX from the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

A true triple-threat, Hough is known to audiences around the world for her success as an actress, dancer and singer in film, television and on stage. The Emmy Award-winning choreographer's role as creative producer, through her production company Canary House Productions, will help evolve the telecast to feature a more holistic look at each incredible woman's life.

"Julianne is an outstanding woman who embodies all that Miss USA celebrates: strong, successful, confident, and generous," said Paula M. Shugart, President, The Miss Universe Organization. "We are thrilled that she has joined us to help shape our evolution both on-air and behind-the-scenes."

In addition to her successful career as a performer, Hough supports a wide range of philanthropic causes, including her work with Kind Campaign to empower girls to become confident, beautiful women and to eradicate girl against girl bullying. Hough's range of charitable affiliations including those that serve women and girls align with The Miss Universe Organization's work to create and advance opportunities for women around the world while encouraging them to embody the company's mission of being Confidently Beautiful.

"I admire and share The Miss Universe Organization's commitment to celebrating young women for more than just their physical beauty and I feel fortunate to be a part of encouraging and uplifting them to make a positive difference in the world," says Hough. "I'm also excited to contribute what I've learned in over a decade in front of the camera and behind the scenes as a performer and choreographer on live television to the Miss USA broadcast."

As previously announced, Ashley Graham joins as backstage host. Backstreet Boys and Chris Young are set to perform during the can't-miss program.

About Julianne Hough:

Julianne Hough is a two-time professional champion on "Dancing with the Stars," before making a seamless transition to award-winning recording artist and actress in such films as "Footloose," "Rock of Ages" and "Safe Haven." She and her brother, Derek Hough, headlined their own MOVE Live on Tour in 2014 and 2015 and the pair won the 2015 Emmy for Outstanding Choreography, along with Tessandra Chavez, for their memorable performance to Sia's "Elastic Heart" on the hit show. She appeared for two seasons as a judge on "Dancing with the Stars" and earned rave reviews playing Sandy in the smash hit "Grease: Live," which FOX broadcast live in January. She recently launched a collaboration with MPG Activewear with a curated Spring collection and will introduce a capsule collection designed by Julianne this Fall. Julianne uses her social media platforms and on her popular website "Jules" (juliannehough.com), to share the things she is most passionate about, from health and style to recipes, home décor, entertaining and her many charitable affiliations, inspiring her community of followers to spread joy, positivity and kindness.

Additional Information and Assets:

· 52 contestants including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the winner of #FindingMiss52 will compete. To learn more about this year's MISS USA(R) contestants please visit: http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/members/contestants.

· To apply for a MISS USA(R) media credential, please visit: http://www.press.missuniverse.com/onlocation/.

· Find MISS USA(R) on Facebook and YouTube, and follow on Twitter and Instagram. For additional information please visit www.missusa.com.