The Miss Universe Organization Announces Nationwide Search for 52nd Miss USA Contestant

The MISS UNIVERSE Organization today announced #FindingMiss52, a first-of-its-kind nationwide search for a 52nd contestant to join the 2016 MISS USA® competition. This year's telecast will air live Sunday, June 5 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

#FindingMiss52 will identify one lucky woman to join 51 contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia onstage for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of BECOMING the next Miss USA. Applications are being accepted now for review by an expert judging panel who will ultimately select the top 10 #FindingMiss52 finalists based on originality/creativity, personality and a web interview. The public will then have a chance to vote on the top 10 and the winner will be sent to compete alongside the other 51 contestants.

"Miss USA is someone who is strong, determined, and confident," said Paula M. Shugart, President of The MISS UNIVERSE Organization. "Our competitions celebrate women from all backgrounds and with Finding Miss 52, we hope to inspire more women to step out of their comfort zones and experience the amazing opportunities our organization offers."

#FindingMiss52 is just one example of the new initiatives and opportunities The MISS UNIVERSE Organization is bringing to its fans under the ownership of WME | IMG, alongside its partner FOX.

To be considered as the 52nd contestant, hopefuls should post three photos or videos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #FindingMiss52 and explain why they would be the best candidate.

Beginning May 10, fans around the world will be able to vote for their favorite finalist on Twitter by using #FindingMiss52 alongside a hashtag specific to each woman, or via MissUSA.com. #FindingMiss52 is made possible by the support of Sherri Hill, a leading eveningwear designer for today's modern woman. Please visit MissUSA.com for full rules and information on how to apply.

This year's MISS USA® competition is a not-to-be-missed three-hour special programming event, which will conclude with MISS USA 2015 Olivia Jordan crowning her successor. The winner of MISS USA® will go on to compete for the title of MISS UNIVERSE later this year.

As previously announced, WME | IMG wholly acquired The MISS UNIVERSE Organization last year. Prior to the acquisition, IMG had produced a number of pageants for The MISS UNIVERSE Organization and will continue to do so with this year's 2016 MISS USA®.

To learn more about this year's MISS USA® contestants please visit: http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/members/contestants.

About The MISS UNIVERSE Organization

The MISS UNIVERSE Organization (MUO), a WME | IMG company, creates and advances opportunities for women around the world through its network of relationships across entertainment, fashion andphilanthropy. MUO encourages every woman to challenge herself, find her unique voice, and embody the organization's mission of being Confidently Beautiful. The 10,000 women who participate in MISS UNIVERSE programs annually inspire others to pursue their personal and professional goals while making an impact in their communities. The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions provide contestants and titleholders an international platform through dedicated partnerships with global charities, sponsors, and brands. For more information, and to learn more about The MISS UNIVERSE Organization's official global causes, please visit: www.missuniverse.com.

About IMG IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.

About FOX Broadcasting Company FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including EMPIRE, GOTHAM, THE X-FILES, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, SCREAM QUEENS, ROSEWOOD, AMERICAN IDOL, NEW GIRL, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, GRANDFATHERED, THE GRINDER, BOB'S BURGERS, THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY, LUCIFER and SLEEPY HOLLOW. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports and Sunday morning news. Through the FOX NOW app, FOX viewers can watch full episodes of their favorite FOX shows on a variety of digital platforms, while enjoying enhanced interactive and social capabilities around those shows. Download the FOX NOW app at www.fox.com/foxnow. "Like" FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.

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

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