Natalie Morales and Andy Cohen to co-host 2011 Miss Universe pageant

NEW YORK – NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today that Natalie Morales, news anchor and co-host on NBC’s “Today” and Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live” will host the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant live from Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12 (9 p.m. ET) on NBC. A live Spanish simulcast will air on Telemundo.

“We are happy to welcome Andy and Natalie to the Miss Universe stage where they are sure to turn up the heat in Sao Paulo,” said Shugart. “This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant and what better place to showcase beautiful women from around the world than in Brazil, a country that is as charming and beautiful as its people.”

Natalie Morales was recently named news anchor for NBC’s “Today.” She also serves as co-host of Third Hour, a position she has held since 2006 when she joined the NBC news team as a national correspondent. Natalie previously hosted the 2010 MISS USA® Pageant and the 2010 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant.

Andy Cohen is the host and executive producer of “Watch What Happens: Live,” Bravo’s late night, interactive talk show that features guests from some of Bravo’s most popular series, as well as from the world of entertainment, politics and pop culture. He is also the executive vice president of original programming and development for Bravo where he oversees the development and production of more than two dozen shows such as “Top Chef,” “The Real Housewives” franchises and “The Millionaire Matchmaker.”

The 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant kicks off a series of worldwide events hosted by Brazil. In addition to this global beauty event, Brazil is host to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. With the city of Sao Paulo at center stage, the pageant will take place at Credicard Hall, a prominent music theater for the city.

The two-hour television event, comprised of contestants representing approximately 90 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In past years, worldwide distribution of the competition has topped nearly 190 countries and territories.

Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, Navarrete traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. Named GQ Mexico’s “Woman of the Year,” she also continued her work as a model appearing in ads for L’Oreal Mexico and was featured on the cover of numerous international magazines like InStyle Mexico and Ocean Drive Puerto Rico.