Celebrity Mound

Television star Mario Lopez has been tapped to host the 2007 Miss America Pageant, airing live from The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, Jan. 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.

Sarah Brock, CMT executive producer and vice president, production, music and events, notes: “Mario Lopez is a fantastic choice to host the 2007 Miss America Pageant. With his soaring popularity, his former hosting experience and his undeniable charm, he will certainly excel as this year’s host.”

Sam Haskell III, chairman of the board for the Miss America Organization, adds: “We are pleased that immediately following his successful star turn on Dancing With the Stars, Mario Lopez has agreed to host the Pageant. Our executive producers Sarah Brock and Don Mischer did an outstanding job securing Mario, and we are honored to welcome him into the Miss America family.”