By April MacIntyre Jan 25, 2009, 0:31 GMT
Perennial emcee Mario Lopez will host the 2009 Miss America Pageant.
01/23/2009 - Mario Lopez - 2009 Miss America Press Conference - Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, NV, USA © PRN / PR Photos
The 52 women will be competing for the crown in the 84th Miss America Pageant which airs live from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The show airs Saturday, January 24, on TLC. That's "The Learning Channel."
"I'm thrilled to return as host of Miss America Pageant on TLC," said Mario Lopez to Extra, where he hosts as well.
"We're pleased to have Mario as this year's host; he has shown that he's a fantastic choice to emcee the show," said Art McMaster, President/CEO of the Miss America Organization. "As a star in all trades, Mario brings excitement and class to the pageant, not to mention the added thrill our contestants will have sharing the stage with him."
Lopez will continue his hosting duties on MTV's highest rated program, America's Best Dance Crew.
In the third season of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars", he danced his way to the final round and earned the runner-up title.
"Mario is an excellent choice to host, bringing a charm and energy level that will only elevate the excitement of TLC's live broadcast. We look forward to having him in Vegas this year," said Brent Zacky, Vice President of Development at TLC. "In addition to Mario and the return of Clinton Kelly as special correspondent, this year's pageant promises to be the biggest ever."
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