Miss USA 2017 Pageant Judges & Performers

Miss USA 2017 Pageant Judges & Performers

Tonight is the 2017 Miss USA Pageant, with Terrence Jenkins and Julianne Hough as the co-hosts again, along with Ashley Graham conducting backstage coverage. AZ Central reports on Hough talking about why she feels these pageants are so important. She explained: I think that having especially in this time, having somebody to look up to as a strong, powerful woman on television speaking her mind is really important. And as long as we have the right message that’s going out into the world of, ‘Yes, it’s a fun competition but at the same time we’re here supporting each other and celebrating women,’ that’s why I wanted to be a part of this. In addition, Hough told USA Today that: I absolutely think the competition is about inspiring unity, showing the diversity and empowering women. Yes it’s a competition, but (contestants) are showing that ‘We support each other, we’re backing each other.’ We’re supporting women and showing their beauty through confidence and through their skills, (and) they’re showing they have a passion they’re committed to, whether they’re doctors, lawyers or teachers. It’s not just about being a pretty face and winning a swimsuit competition — they’re showing they’re making a difference in their communities. And I think that’s so important especially with what we’re going through right now. Currently, Hough is a judge on Dancing With the Stars and is gearing up for another dance tour with her brother Derek Hough. But, let’s get back into tonight’s pageant news. As far as the performers go, Pitbull, Brett Eldredge and Cirque du Soleil from the show Michael Jackson: One are all on board. When it comes to the judges’ panel, there are several familiar faces, along with newcomers and former pageant queens. Click through our judges gallery to get to know each one of the judges on board this year. (Cr: Vince Bucci © 2017 FOX Broadcasting Co.)