NBC Renews Miss USA, Miss Universe

No word on whether Perez Hilton will be back as a judge after last year’s brouhaha with Carrie Prejean

Big events are big TV these days. So no surprise, then, that NBC has renewed its deal with Donald Trump for three more years of Miss Universe and Miss USA.

The deal will keep the pageants on the network through 2013.

“There’s been renewed interest in this series of beauty pageants, especially among a new generation of younger viewers," said Paul Telegdy, NBC’s chief of alternative programming and production. “NBC is proud to maintain this unique American cultural tradition as a viable series of competitive programming specials that continue to be a popular source of entertainment.”

NBC’s renewal comes after TLC and the Miss America organization parted ways, leaving that iconic event momentarily homeless.

Last year’s Miss USA wasn’t exactly a Nielsen blockbuster, averaging around 5 million viewers. It did get lots of media attention, however, due to Carrie Prejean (Miss California) and her comments on gay marriage.

The 2010 edition of Miss USA airs live on NBC May 16.

“The 2010 Miss USA Pageant” is set to air live on NBC on Sunday, May 16 (7-9 p.m. ET) from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

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