Dec 11, 2019 | Breaking News, Entertainment, General News, Special Events
Access Hollywood co-anchors Kit Hoover and Mario Lopez to serve as co-hosts for
December 19th, two-hour live telecast.
NEW YORK, NY (December 11, 2019) – Superstore co-star Lauren Ash, Queer Eye culture expert Karamo and singer/songwriter/actress Kelly Rowland have been selected as judges for the upcoming Miss America 2020 broadcast, which returns to NBC for a two-hour live special Thursday, December 19th at 8:00pm ET/PT from Mohegan Sun.
The trio will judge the 51 compelling candidates based on messages of female strength, independence and empowerment in the candidates’ efforts in the areas of scholarship, talent and social impact.
Access Hollywood co-anchors Kit Hoover and Mario Lopez will co-host.
At the end of the telecast, one candidate will be chosen for the job of Miss America 2020 to build upon the work of Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin. Franklin has been promoting her social impact initiative “Advocating for the Arts” through appearances at colleges and universities and has taken part in many other events, including making numerous visits to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
This year features prominent roles for the judges, real interaction with the candidates and a chance to really get to know each of the finalists before the judges decide who gets the job and the crown of Miss America.
The star-studded production team includes many women as the Miss America Organization ushers in a new era of progressiveness and inclusiveness. The show’s new format will be led by a female co-executive producer (Meredith McGinn), director (Sandra Restrepo) and choreographer (Danielle Flora).
Miss America 2020 offers a new take on what many consider America’s very first reality show. It’s a perfect blend of Miss America history with the added excitement, intrigue and entertainment of today’s very best competition shows.
The show will be executive produced by John Irwin, whose Irwin Entertainment is producing the new NBC late night show A Little Late With Lilly Singh. His credentials include stand-up specials for Adam Sandler, John Mulaney, Norm MacDonald and Nikki Glaser as well as Red Nose Day, NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
For the first time in more than 15 years, the show will be led by a female director. Emmy Award-nominated helmer Sandra Restrepo has directed a multitude of live shows, including the first live televised musical performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway sensation Hamilton, the Radio Disney Music Awards and MTV’s live music series Wonderland. Restrepo also served as the show director on over 250 episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Also joining the Miss America 2020 production team is Meredith McGinn as co-executive producer. McGinn is the Senior Vice President of NBC-owned COZI TV, news brand LX and LX.TV, an award-winning production company that produces weekly lifestyle programs in addition to live specials and red-carpet specials such as the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards and Rose Parade.
Other leading names behind the scenes include Tim Bock as co-executive producer, lighting design by Oscar Dominguez of The Voice, production design by Joe Stewart and writer Jon Macks, whose previous credits include the Oscars, Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.
Saturday Night Live choreographer Danielle Flora also joins the production team to enhance the show’s new format.
Miss America 2020 will take place in Mohegan Sun’s award-winning Mohegan Sun Arena and preliminary competitions, which start this Sunday, December 15th, will take place in the Earth Expo Center. For ticket information, visit mohegansun.com.
ABOUT LAUREN ASH
Lauren Ash stars as Dina in the hit NBC comedy Superstore and as Scorpia in the Netflix original animated series She-Ra and the Princess of Power. She recently launched a podcast titled Giving It Up for Less, where she has friends and colleagues join her to overshare real stories about their lives that they probably shouldn’t tell. Ash previously co-starred with Rebel Wilson in ABC’s Super Fun Night, which won the People’s Choice Award for Best New Comedy Series and Comedy Central’s Another Period. On the film side, Ash was in the critically acclaimed and Academy-Award nominated film The Disaster Artist, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and Lars and the Real Girl. Hailing from Toronto, Ash is an alumnus of the Second City Toronto and Chicago main stages. She was nominated for an ACTRA Award (Canada’s SAG Awards) for her performance in the film Dirty Singles and was the winner of a Canadian Screen Award (Canada’s Emmys) for a guest-starring role on the CTV sitcom Spun Out.
ABOUT KARAMO
Karamo is a culture expert on the Netflix reboot of the award-winning series Queer Eye. Karamo is tasked with making over the hearts and minds of individuals by helping them to confront and grow beyond internal and external issues. His memoir, Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope, explores how the challenges in his own life have allowed him to forever transform the lives of those in need. Karamo began his television career in 2004 as a housemate on the MTV hit series The Real World. He was the first openly gay African-American in the history of reality television. Karamo was the recipient of the “2018 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award” and was also invited by the Obama Administration to create policy and legislation supporting LGBTQ youth and their allies. He continues to work and support the President Obama Foundation and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and is a graduate of Florida A&M University.
ABOUT KELLY ROWLAND
Four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and executive producer Kelly Rowland is a global Pop superstar. On her own, she is a platinum-certified recording artist with over 40 million records sold, but she’s also known all over the world as a founding and cherished member of Destiny’s Child, the best-selling female group of all time. The group’s list of chart toppers include many #1 singles in the U.S. and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide. Rowland has blossomed into a stunning solo artist having released four successful studio albums. Simon Cowell tapped her as a judge for the popular UK series The X Factor. Rowland executive produced and starred in the film Merry Liddle Christmas, which aired in November on Lifetime. She will next be seen in director Justin Simien’s new independent feature Bad Hair, which will premiere at Sundance.
ABOUT KIT HOOVER
Kit Hoover is host of Access Hollywood, Access Daily and All Access. She made her television debut in 1995 as a cast member on the original season of MTV’s Road Rules. Soon after she joined King World Production as their entertainment reporter for American Journal. Hoover then went to Fox News in 1999 as a correspondent for Fox Broadcasting Company’s newsmagazine, FOX Files. In 2003, she started as host for ESPN2’s Cold Pizza, and also served as a guest judge on ESPN’s reality contest, Dream Job. Hoover has appeared several times as a guest host on The View and from 2008-2009, she hosted TLC’s lifestyle makeover series, Real Simple, Real Life, based upon the magazine Real Simple. She served as the host of ABC’s Shaq Vs., a reality show starring Shaquille O’Neal in 2010, and hosted Celebrity Home Raiders on Lifetime. She served as host of Animal Planet’s live two-hour special, Give a Dog a Home, which aired in December. She resides with her husband and three children in Los Angeles.
ABOUT MARIO LOPEZ
Mario Lopez is a host of NBC’s Access Hollywood, and has signed an over-all development deal with NBCUniversal. Additionally, Lopez created and serves as executive producer of the upcoming Netflix scripted series The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia. He is also producing the reboot of Saved by the Bell for NBC’s new streaming service Peacock. Lopez currently hosts the national iHeart radio programs On with Mario Lopez and iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez. Lopez is a constant presence on the Pop culture scene with a legion of fans across the board. Some of Lopez’s acting credits include This Is Us, Jane the Virgin, Nip/Tuck and Saved by the Bell, among many others. In 2008, Lopez made his Broadway debut as Zach in the revival of A Chorus Line, where he met his wife, Courtney. They have three children.
ABOUT THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION
The Miss America Organization, a 501(c) (4), is one of the most recognizable household names in America working to empower young women through education and service. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 51 licensed state organizations, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Miss America candidates contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised more than $17 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007. The Miss America Foundation, a 501(c) (3), provides academic, community service, and other scholarships to young women.
Follow “The Miss America Organization” on social media
Facebook: @missamerica
Twitter: @MissAmericaOrg
Instagram: @missamerica
Official website: www.MissAmerica.org
Hashtag: #MissAmerica
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN:
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 80 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
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Sep 29, 2016 | Entertainment, General News, Special Events
Mohegan Sun’s 20th Anniversary is just around the corner, and guests are invited to the Uncas Ballroom to celebrate the huge milestone in style, with Chrissy Teigen, Anna Kendrick, Robin Thicke and more!
UNCASVILLE, CT (September 29, 2016) – As Mohegan Sun is set for a month long celebration of 20 years, the biggest party of them all will be on Saturday, October 15th at 10:00pm for the 20th Anniversary Ballroom After Party! Guests can purchase tickets now to enjoy music by JAYCEEOH, DJ Cassidy and celebrity DJ and producer, Timbaland and to party with Chrissy Teigen, Anna Kendrick, Joe Manganiello and many more. Guests looking for VIP seating and bottle service can call 860.861.0744.
Other special celebrity guests for Mohegan Sun’s red carpet and Ballroom blowout event include:
- Teresa Giudice (Stars on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey)
- Martin Sensmeier (Actor starring in The Magnificent Seven, currently in theaters)
- Ramona Singer (Stars on Bravo’s, The Real Housewives of NYC)
- Melissa Gorga (Stars on Bravo’s, The Real Housewives of New Jersey)
- Vicki Gunvalson (Stars on The Real Housewives of Orange County, Vicki is one of the first-ever cast members of the incredibly popular hit TV series)
- Clive Standen (Starring actor on the hit History Channel TV series, Vikings)
- Jojo Fletcher (Real estate developer from Dallas, Texas and recent star on ABC’s The Bachelor)
- Robin Thicke (Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling R&B musician and songwriter.)
- Brody Jenner (Model and TV personality who starred on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Hills)
- Tyson Beckford (Famous model and actor known worldwide who has also guest hosted on MTV, E! and VH1)
- Cassie Ventura (Recording artist, dancer, actress, model and New London, CT native)
- Wes Welker (Beloved former wide receiver of the New England Patriots)
- Annabelle Acosta (Cuban-American film & television actress starring in HBO’s Ballers)
- Johnny Damon (Former Red Sox and Yankee’s player, 2-time World Series champion)
On Saturday, October 15th, Mohegan Sun Arena will be hosting a very special performance by the one and only Fergie, as well. The evening prior, October 14th, Mohegan Sun will be presenting “Kevin Hart’s 20th Anniversary Comedy All-Star Gala” hosted by Kevin Hart starring Sarah Silverman, Dave Attell, Margaret Cho and more. Tickets for both shows are available for purchase on ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000.
From Country to comedy and Hip-Hop to Rock n’ Roll, the East Coast’s top entertainment destination is rolling out the red carpet for the world’s biggest performers and celebrity talent in what is sure to be the must-see celebration of the fall season. For more information on all of the entertainment, promotions and special events surrounding the celebration, visit Mohegansun.com/20
About Mohegan Sun
Owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 85 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on facebook.com/mohegansun, follow us on twitter.com/mohegansun, Instagram @mohegansun, view us on youtube.com/mohegansunvideos and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun.
Jul 30, 2012 | Entertainment, General News, Special Events, Sports
NFL Great Sterling Sharpe and Golf Channel Reporter Win McMurry Capture Title
Battling a competitive celebrity field of 30 stars of sports and entertainment NFL great Sterling Sharpe and Golf Channel Win McMurry captured the 2012 Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Team Championship at Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaugh, Baltic, Conn.
“The Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Team Championship was in every aspect a ‘Sterling Win’,” said NFL All-Pro, Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, NFL great and College Football Hall of Famer Ahmad Rashad, the event host.
“More than four thousand fans both on the course and at Mohegan Sun enjoyed the three-day event, raising funds for The REACH Foundation and The First Tee of Connecticut,” said Jay Sloves and Tom Landers, Event Co-Directors.
Sharpe and McMurry edged out the teams of football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen/ former MLB star Scott Sanderson and former NBA star Herb Williams/former NHL star Greg Stefan with an even par 108 in the 27-hole Celebrity Team Championship.
Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Richard “Goose” Gossage said: “This is one of the best celebrity events around.” Great event and looking forward to next year.”
The final Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Team Championship field included—Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, baseball Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage, World Series Champion David Justice, former MLB stars Rick Cerone, Mickey Tettleton, Scott Sanderson and Doug Flynn, NFL legend Sterling Sharpe, NBA Champions Ron Harper, Bruce Bowen and Scott Burrell, NHL star Marty Turco, NBA legend Herb Williams, NHL legends Darren Veitch and Greg Stefan, former NFL star Harold Green, actors Alfonso Riberio, Kevin Sorbo, Flex Alexander and Richard Jenkins, LPGA stars Meredith Duncan and Anna Grzebien, Pro golfer and model Anna Rawson, Golf Channel Anchor Win McMurry, ESPN anchors Sean McDonough, Max Bretos, and Jay Harris and World Driving Champion Sean Fister.
“It’s all about building a first-class, all-star event that works for the players, charities and the fans in New England,” said Rashad
Since its inception, the Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Classic has raised more than $500,000 for charity. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit The REACH Foundation as well as The First Tee of Connecticut.
The Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Classic also featured The REACH Foundation Charity Concert 70’s Soul Jam with the legendary chart-topping bands The Stylistics, The Delfonics, The Main Ingredient featuring Cuba Gooding Sr, The Chi Lites, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, The Dramatics and The Manhattans.
About The Reach Foundation:
The REACH Foundation is a 501.c.3 corporation created by Mark and Wendy Wilson in 2000 to help children physically, financially, and socially in need. Originally established to provide college and vocational scholarships and continuing education grants, the Foundation also supports programs that encourage social and civic responsibility both in and out of the classroom.
About Mohegan Sun:
Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to three unique casinos, a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa and golf course, over 75 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on facebook.com/mohegansun, follow us on twitter.com/mohegansun and view us on youtube.com/mohegansunvideos.
Oct 15, 2008 | Breaking News, General News, Special Events
Tracy Morgan, Lindsay Price, Becki Newton, Maria Menounos, Cheryl Hines Among the Celebrities That Attended
Uncasville, CT (October 11, 2008) – Mohegan Sun celebrated the grand opening of their new Casino of the Wind with an unforgettable star-studded lineup of celebrity guests in attendance over the weekend of Friday, October 10th through Sunday, October 12th.
Tracy Morgan, Lindsay Price (Lipstick Jungle), Robert Buckley (Lipstick Jungle), Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Chris Diamantopoulos (The Starter Wife), Eric Mabius (Ugly Betty), Maria Menounos, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Rex Lee (Entourage), Stacy Keibler (Dancing With the Stars), Geoff Stults (October Road), Matthew Settle (Gossip Girl) and Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl) all gathered in the Casino of the Wind’s stunning new Poker Room to play a round of Celebrity Poker to celebrate the launch of the new space. They also got a chance to check out some exciting musical performances.
Additional highlights included actress Lindsay Price who unveiled Tiffany & Co.’s and Mohegan Sun’s new high-roller cocktail, the Windfall, in Leffingwells Martini Lounge. The cocktail, valued at over $6,000, includes a Tiffany’s diamond and pink sapphire ring garnish. The celebrations continued with an all-star musical performance from Band From TV at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, whose members include James Denton (Desperate Housewives); Adrian Pasdar, Greg Grunberg, James Kyson Lee (Heroes); Jesse Spencer (House); Bob Guiney (The Bachelor) and his wife Rebecca Budig (All My Children). Also performing Saturday night was American Idol star, Blake Lewis, who rocked the Lucky’s Lounge. The night was topped-off with a VIP red carpet and after-party at the property’s exclusive Ultra 88 nightclub.
Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, Bruce Bozsum, stated, “We are so proud to have hosted such an exciting weekend of special events to unveil our brand new casino. Adding the new Casino of the Wind with Poker to our premiere gaming, spa, and golf facilities continues to make Mohegan Sun one of the premiere gaming destinations in the country.”
Casino of the Wind offers 64,000 square feet of new gaming and dining space. The new casino at Mohegan Sun features over 650 new slot machines, 28 new table games, and a stunning room dedicated entirely to Poker, providing 42 tables for Poker fans.
Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, CT, is located on 240 acres along the banks of the Thames River in Mystic Country. Owned by the Mohegan Tribe, the resort is the premier gaming, entertainment, dining, shopping and meeting destination on the East Coast. For more information on Mohegan Sun, visit www.mohegansun.com
