NBC Invites Viewers to Vote for Miss USA 2005 Finalists  3/21/05

NBC INVITES VIEWERS TO VOTE FOR THE TOP 15 MISS USA 2005 FINALISTS IN ADVANCE OF THE LIVE BROADCAST (APRIL 11, 9-11PM ET)

First-time opportunity fueled by unprecedented partnership between the Miss Universe Organization and CoverGirl Cosmetics

BURBANK - March 21, 2005-For the first time in Miss USA history, NBC will allow viewers to cast their vote for the top 15 finalists in advance of the 54th Annual Miss USA® Competition on Monday, April 11 (9-11 p.m. ET). As part of an unprecedented partnership between the Miss Universe Organization and cosmetics powerhouse CoverGirl, viewers will have an opportunity to vote online at www.CoverGirl.com from April 1-6.

CoverGirl.com will feature exclusive photos and interviews with all 51 Miss USA® contestants and viewers can vote for their chosen top 10, based in three categories: evening gown, swimsuit and interview. The compilation of these ballots will act as a "virtual judge," filling one spot on the preliminary judging panel. All visitors to CoverGirl.com will have the chance to enter a sweepstakes giving them a chance to win a trip to Miss USA 2006®".

Molly Sims, CoverGirl Spokesmodel and star of NBC's hit series "Las Vegas," will serve as one of the celebrity judges during the live telecast from Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre. She will join a previously announced star-studded panel that includes Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps; boxing legend and co-star of NBC's "The Contender" Sugar Ray Leonard; and world-renowned beauty expert Frédéric Fekkai

"Our partnership with CoverGirl is nothing short of groundbreaking," said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "By facilitating this unprecedented opportunity for the public to cast their vote, CoverGirl is exemplifying the same vision they had when they literally jettisoned the cosmetics business to what it is today. 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."

"We are thrilled to partner with the Miss Universe Organization for MISS USA® 2005. We are delighted that the Pageant is being held in Baltimore, CoverGirl's hometown, and look forward to giving people the chance to help crown Miss USA 2005," said Anne Martin, Vice President, Global Cosmetics and Beauty Marketing, Procter & Gamble.

The Miss Universe Organization, producer of the internationally distributed MISS USA®, MISS Universe® and MISS Teen USA® Pageants, recently inked a two-year deal with CoverGirl, making the beauty-product-giant the official cosmetics sponsor of all three competitions.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the "Miss Universe*", "Miss USA*," and "Miss Teen USA*," pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership. 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 the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Gilda's Club and the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, "Miss USA" is armed to impact women today.

Two billion times a day, P&G brands, such as CoverGirl®, touch the lives of people around the world. P&G's beauty business had more than $17 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2003/04, making it one of the world's largest beauty companies. The beauty business sells more than 130 different brands in over 180 countries worldwide. Its beauty brands include Pantene®, Head and Shoulders®, Olay®, SK-II®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, Joy®, Hugo Boss®, Herbal Essences® and Clairol Nice 'n Easy®. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.