Las Vegas Weekly

August 4, 2010 · 11:42 AM

Bret Michaels to host Miss Universe Pageant at Mandalay Bay on Aug. 23

By Robin Leach

Bret Michaels played The Pearl in the Palms on Jan. 31, 2009.

Photo: Ryan Olbrysh

Ever since beating a near-fatal brain hemorrhage just four months ago, Poison frontman and Celebrity Apprentice winner Bret Michaels has been on a fast track despite being warned by doctors that if he continues his wild rock and roll lifestyle, it could send him back to the hospital with a second stroke.

Now billionaire businessman Donald Trump has tapped the musician to co-host the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant with Natalie Morales of NBC’s Today live from Mandalay Bay on Aug. 23 on NBC. The award-winning, multi-platinum singer with more than 70 million albums sold worldwide recently won Season 3 of The Donald’s Celebrity Apprentice on NBC.

Over the weekend, Bret denied that he’d proposed to longtime on-and-off again gal pal Kristi Gibson, even though they’ve dated for 16 years and she’s the mother of their two daughters , Raine and Jorja -- and now wears a diamond ring. Bret calls it “a promise ring, a friendship ring with benefits.” But he says he’s not walking down the aisle yet.

The Donald also announced that Australian singer-songwriter-guitarist Orianthi and John Legend & The Roots will perform during the pageant. Orianthi shot to stardom with her mesmerizing guitar solo during Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name” performance at the 2009 Grammys. Soon after, Michael Jackson handpicked her to be his lead guitarist for the This Is It Tour. She’ll perform her hit “According to You” during the swimsuit competition.

New musical collaboration John Legend & The Roots will set the tone for the evening gown portion of the telecast. Their album Wakeup! is scheduled for release Sept. 21.

“It doesn’t get hotter than being in Las Vegas during the month of August,” Donald said. “Add more than 80 of the world’s most beautiful women converging to compete for the crown of Miss Universe along with Bret Michaels, Natalie Morales, Orianthi and John Legend & The Roots … Las Vegas is going to be scorching hot!”

The two-hour NBC telecast is comprised of contestants representing more than 80 countries who’ll compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The telecast will be seen in more than 190 countries and territories.

2009 Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela will crown her successor at the conclusion of the broadcast. During her reign, Stefanie has traveled the globe as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education and awareness. 2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih, who is already tipped to be among the Top Five contenders, was at Mandalay Bay in June to film promos for the telecast. Rima left Las Vegas for a trip to Shanghai and the 2010 World Expo as shown here on YouTube:

Viewers can see images of all the contestants and vote for the 2010 Miss Photogenic Universe at NBC.com. The award is given to the contestant who best exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. The winner of the online vote will be revealed during the live telecast.

The Miss Universe contestants start arriving this weekend in Las Vegas, some even by bus from Los Angeles. They’ll be headquartered at the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, and we’ll have full photo coverage throughout the pageant visit.

Here’s the YouTube video of Miss USA’s first photo shoot after winning the pageant, which was held at Planet Hollywood and landed her the spot in the Miss Universe contest.

The last time the Miss Universe Pageant was held in Las Vegas was in May 1996! Rima told me earlier: “I’m very happy that it is being held in Las Vegas because I think a lot of people around the entire world will get to see what all of America has to offer just from this one little city in the desert.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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