jerry springer & Mel B to host Miss Universe 2008

‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ HOST JERRY SPRINGER AND SPICE GIRL MEL B TO HOST THE 2008 MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT LIVE FROM VIETNAM ON JULY 13th

NEW YORK, NY

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).

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.”

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

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, has made her mark as an accomplished singer, actress, producer, designer and TV personality.

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® 2008.