Mario Lopez to host 2010 Miss America Pageant on TLC

TLC announced that Mario Lopez returns as host of the Miss America Pageant when it is broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday January 30, 2010 at 8 PM ET.

This marks his second consecutive year hosting the event, and his third time total for Miss America. "I look forward to taking the stage again in January and helping crown the next Miss America," said Lopez. "It's great to be associated with such a respected and relevant organization, and TLC has turned the pageant into a must-watch event." "Mario has proven himself as one of the most skilled hosts for live events, and helped make this year's pageant the success it was. We welcome him back and know it will help make the 2010 pageant even better," explains Brent Zacky, VP of Development for TLC.

"We're thrilled Mario is returning to host the upcoming pageant. He is the consummate professional, and has unmatched charm and energy," added Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization.

The 2010 Pageant brings together the 53 contestants who are competing for the title of Miss America. In addition to the 50 United States representatives, the pageant also includes Miss District of Columbia, Miss Virgin Islands, and this year welcomes back Miss Puerto Rico, after a 50-year absence from the event. The 2009 Miss America Pageant, which TLC broadcast live on January 26, was the #1 program on cable for the night in key demos, and was ranked #3 among all television networks in W18-49.