STAR-STUDDED PANEL TO JUDGE MISS USA 2004®
LIVE FROM THE KODAK THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES

(Los Angeles, CA) – Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization announced today that a star-studded panel of judges will select MISS USA 2004® at the 53rd ANNUAL MISS USA® competition live from Los Angeles, California on April 12, 2004 on the NBC Television Network (9 pm ET/delayed PT). The telecast panel will be comprised of Jill Stuart, international fashion designer; actor Mekhi Phifer, B.D. Wong of Law and Order SVU; Rocco DiSpirito star of NBC’s The Restaurant; Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers; Liza Huber star of NBC’s Passions, John Salley, host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period, Tricia Helfer from Behind the Camera: Charlie’s Angels, racecar driver Jeff Gordon, actress and model Vanessa Haydon, and Miss USA 1997, Brandi Sherwood.  

As previously announced Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell and Billy Bush will co-host the competition. Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 200 million. Each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories, including swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. 

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE*, MISS USA* and MISS TEEN USA* Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to impact women today.

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PRESS CONTACTS:
Esther Swan/Erin Cooney
The Miss Universe Organization
(212) 373-4870, (212) 373-4868
eswan@missuniverse.com
ecooney@missuniverse.com

Dara Busch/Jill Dortheimer
Rubenstein Public Relations
(212)843-8079, (212)843-9201
dbusch@rubensteinpr.com
jdortheimer@rubensteinpr.com