March 25: President of the Miss Universe Organization Paula Shugart announced that the Miss Universe Organization has signed a two-year contract with CoverGirl, which makes it the official cosmetics sponsor of all three competitions.

CoverGirl.com will show exclusive photos and interviews with all Miss USA® contestants, in which the public can vote from April 1-16. The compilation of these ballots will act as a "virtual judge" filling one spot on the preliminary judging panel.

All CoverGirl.com visitors can enter a lottery, giving them a chance to win a trip to MISS USA® 2006. Visitors can also receive a free sample of CoverGirl Outlast Liquid Makeup, the official makeup of the Miss USA® Pageant.

Molly Sims of CoverGirl (also star of NBC's hit show Las Vegas),
will serve as one of the celebrity judges in the live telecast on NBC on April 11, 2005 (9PM ET/Delayed PT).

"The relationship between CoverGirl and the Miss Universe Organization is a natural fit as both companies are dedicated to empowering women and both value inner and outer beauty," said Ms Shugart.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Miss Universe Organization for MISS USA® 2005, especially this year because the Pageant is being held in Baltimore, CoverGirl's hometown," Anne Martin, Vice President, Global Cosmetics and Beauty Marketing, Procter & Gamble, which owns CoverGirl.

BY A CORRESPONDENT