Crystle Stewart: Miss Texas USA Crowned Miss USA(R) 2008 During Live NBC Telecast on April 11th

12 Apr 2008 04:42 Africa/Lagos



Miss Texas USA Crowned Miss USA(R) 2008 During Live NBC Telecast on April 11th

LAS VEGAS, April 11 /PRNewswire/ --

This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Texas USA, Crystle Stewart, as MISS USA(R) 2008. Donny and Marie Osmond hosted the 57th Annual MISS USA Pageant from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world's most electrifying cities, Las Vegas.



Ms. Stewart completed her degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising at the University of Houston. She founded and runs her business "Inside/Out" which aids young women in building self-esteem and volunteers with many organizations in the community. She won a silver medal in the relay at Jr. Olympics and is a fourth generation educator.



The judging panel for the 2008 Miss USA(R) Pageant included: Heather Mills, contestant on season four of "Dancing With the Stars"; Rob Schneider, star of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"; Joey Fatone, host of "The Singing Bee"; Kristian Alfonso, entrepreneur and star of NBC's "Days of our Lives"; Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard; Christian Siriano, this season's winner of Bravo's hit show "Project Runway"; San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman; celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves; Kelly Carlson, star of "Nip/Tuck"; founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood International, Inc. Robert Earl and Vanity Fair's celebrity journalist George Wayne.


Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions, the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Rachel Smith, MISS USA 2007, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, where rock band Finger Eleven performed their hit song "Paralyzer" before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.


Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Mississippi USA, Leah Laviano will assume the
duties of MISS USA 2008 if the titleholder is named
MISS UNIVERSE 2008 or for some reason cannot fulfill
her duties.

Second Runner Up: Miss New Jersey USA, Tiffany Andrade

Rest of Top Five: Miss Pennsylvania USA, LauRen Merola
Miss Oklahoma USA, Lindsey Jo Harrington

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Massachusetts USA, Jackie Bruno
Miss Missouri USA, Candice Crawford
Miss Tennessee USA, Hailey Laine Brown
Miss Indiana USA, Brittany Mason
Miss Florida USA, Jessica Rafalowski

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Minnesota USA, Kaylee Unverzagt
Miss Rhode Island USA, Amy Diaz
Miss South Carolina USA, Jamie Hill
Miss California USA, Raquel Roxanne Beezley
Miss Utah USA, Julia Bachison



MISS PHOTOGENIC USA(TM) "Hot Shots" Award: Miss Alaska USA, Courtney Erin Carroll. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.


MISS CONGENIALITY USA(TM) Award: Miss Ohio USA, Monica Day was awarded a $1,000 cash award. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.


The MISS USA(R) 2008 prize package includes: the official Miss USA Mikimoto pearl tiara; 2 Year Scholarship from The New York Film Academy; custom evening wear wardrobe by Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; national multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear; a 4 day / 3 night all-inclusive vacation at any of the 28 Westgate Resorts located in the U.S. including the Planet Hollywood Towers in Las Vegas; make-up from Kett Cosmetics; shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear; year supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; swimsuit wardrobe from Syrup Swimwear; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign, including living expenses; personal appearance wardrobe and stylist consultation throughout her reign and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2008 Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam.


The MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. 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 Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to educate women today.


PRESS CONTACTS:
Lark-Marie Anton / Esther Swan / Joyce Lee
The Miss Universe Organization
(212) 373-4982 / (212) 373-4870 / (212) 373-4685

Dara Busch
Rubenstein Public Relations
(212) 843-8079 / (908) 672-3384 cell

PRNewswire -- April 11, 2008


Source: Miss Universe Organization

Web site: Miss Universe

2008 Zulu Reed Dance

The Zulu Kings Reed Dance at eNyokeni Palace, uMkhosi woMhlanga.Date:6th September 2008

The Zulu Kings Reed Dance at eNyokeni Palace.
Guided Tours, Press & VIP access arranged by Zululand Eco-Adventures. Tours depart from The George Hotel and Zululand Backpackers in Eshowe. (Dates subject to The Zulu King's discretion).Full day tour cost from R395 pp to R450pp.

Click here to view the Photographs of the African Beauties at the Reed Dance

'Project Runway' Hits the Catwalk and Struts over to Lifetime in November '08

7 Apr 2008 21:09 Africa/Lagos


'Project Runway' Hits the Catwalk and Struts over to Lifetime in November '08

-- Groundbreaking Agreement for the Seven-Time Emmy(R)-Nominated and Peabody Award-Winning Hit Series --

NEW YORK, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifetime Networks and The Weinstein Company have entered into a groundbreaking partnership that will move cable's top reality series, "Project Runway," to the top network for women, Lifetime Television, beginning November 2008 with the premiere of season six. In its most recent season, the hit show averaged a 3.8 W18-49 Live + 7 day rating* and the Live + 7 rating for the March 5th finale was a 6.1 W18-49 AA%.


Heidi Klum, "Project Runway's" international supermodel host, and Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc. and mentor to the show's contestants, are both fashioning their new home at Lifetime.


The pact, encompassing a five-year deal for the seven-time Emmy(R)- nominated and Peabody Award-winning series "Project Runway," was announced today by Lifetime Networks' President and CEO Andrea Wong and The Weinstein Company's Co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein.


Wong said, "'Project Runway' is one of the best television programs on the air today on broadcast or cable. I am a huge fan. All my friends are huge fans. Having watercooler movies, dramas, and reality shows like 'Project Runway' is what Lifetime Television is all about. We welcome The Weinstein Company, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn to the Lifetime family for many walks down the runway to come."


"'Project Runway' is our programming crown jewel and great credit goes to Heidi, Tim and The Magical Elves for building more than a television show, but an actual brand that influences fashion interests and pop culture," stated Bob and Harvey Weinstein. "Whether it be our recent Peabody Award or the great ratings we have seen each year, 'Project Runway's' millions of loyal viewers have made the show a nationwide phenomenon. We would like to sincerely thank NBC Universal and Bravo for all their contribution and support. Today's announcement is a celebration of all of our success and having Lifetime's unique cable reach will ensure that the show will continue to grow and expand in the years to come. Lifetime is one of the strongest cable networks in the industry, with great leadership and a true commitment to original programming. We are very excited for the many new opportunities that will now be provided to 'Runway' and its fans and look forward to premiering the sixth season in November 2008."


"Fashion is about change, so we're looking forward to saying hello to Lifetime, our new fashionable home for our fashionable series," Heidi Klum stated. "We're excited to bring 'Project Runway' to the #1 network for women."


Tim Gunn added, "Lifetime and I will definitely 'make it work' together. I am very excited to be part of the Lifetime family."


Responding to a lawsuit filed today against it in the New York Supreme Court The Weinstein Company noted, after declining to compete for the right to have "Project Runway," NBC has sued to try to disrupt the series moving to Lifetime. "We believe that this lawsuit is without merit. While good for the market for lawyers, it is always unfortunate when parties try to win in court


what they have lost in the marketplace," said David Boies, counsel to The Weinstein Company.


"Project Runway" provides budding designers with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion. The wildly successful competition reality series has proven to be one of television's most talked about and was the highest rated reality competition show in all of cable for 2007.


"Project Runway" is executive produced by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves ("Project Greenlight," "Last Comic Standing," "Top Chef"). Heidi Klum and her managers Desiree Gruber and Jane Cha of NYC-based Full Picture also executive produce the series. John Miller and Barbara Schneeweiss will oversee the production on behalf of The Weinstein Company.


About TWC


The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.


During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award(R) nominations and won 60 Oscars(R), have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie."


About Lifetime


LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.


* nearly 14 times Bravo's Total Day W18-49 rating, while season four was in originals. (Bravo W18-49 AA% Total Day is 0.28; Prime is .61, Source: NMR: Live +7; 11/14/07-03/05/08)


Source: Lifetime Networks; The Weinstein Company

CONTACT: Meredith Wagner of Lifetime Networks, +1-212-424-7126,
mwagner@lifetimetv.com; Matt Frankel of The Weinstein Company,
+1-646-862-3878, Matthew.Frankel@weinsteinco.com


Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
http://www.mylifetime.com/