CeeLo Green Among Celebrity Judges Panel for NBC's 2012 MISS UNIVERSE, 12/19

Related: 2012 MISS UNIVERSE(R) COMPETITION, NBC

NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today the celebrity judges for the 2012 MISS UNIVERSE(R) COMPETITION, which will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., on Wednesday, December 19 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.

The distinguished panel of judges includes:

· CeeLo Green, singer-songwriter and musician coach of NBC's "The Voice"

· Pablo Sandoval, two-time World Series champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP) with the San Francisco Giants

· Nigel Barker, photographer and host of Oxygen's new series "The Face"

· Diego Boneta, singer and actor best known for starring role in "Rock of Ages" feature film

· Scott Disick, TV personality from the E! Network

· Brad Goreski, celebrity stylist and star of Bravo's "It's a Brad, Brad World"

· Chef Masaharu Morimoto, award-winning chef and star of "Iron Chef"

· Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010, and face of L'Oreal

· Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball

· Lisa Vanderpump, star on Bravo's hit series "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and new series "Vanderpump Rules"

"For the first time ever, the Miss Universe telecast is a holiday special and what better gift to give to our fans than an amazing panel of judges," said Shugart. "These talented individuals will have the task of selecting the next Miss Universe, so we are excited they will be a part of this worldwide telecast. We also want to welcome Timomatic who will perform during the show and JEANNIE MAI who returns as commentator."

Returning to the Miss Universe telecast is JEANNIE MAI of Style Network's "How Do I Look?" as a commentator. Mai will take viewers behind the scenes to engage with contestants, talent, and fans throughout the telecast. She joins previously announced Andy Cohen, host of Bravo's "Watch What Happens: Live," and Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of "E! News," who return to share hosting duties.

In addition to previously announced Train, the world-renowned contest adds a second musical performance from Nigeria-born Tim Omaji, better known as Timomatic in his home country of Australia. Timomatic made his mark in 2009 as a contestant in Australia's "So You Think You Can Dance," and later in "Australia's Got Talent." These appearances landed him a deal with Sony Music Australia releasing his now four-time platinum debut single, "Set It Off," which he will perform during the pageant.

New to this year's "Miss Universe" telecast, fans from around the world can ask a "Final Question" via Twitter by using #AskMissUniverse in the days leading up to the two-hour telecast. One lucky fan's question will be read to a Top-Five finalist during the interview competition. In addition to the "Final Question," Twitter integration will include fan comments and reactions during the telecast.

Fans have also been able to vote their favorite contestant into the semifinals at the Miss Universe competition. Voting is taking place now through December 18 and can be done by logging on to www.missuniverse.com or www.telemundo.com.

Throughout the Miss Universe competition, 89 contestants will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The telecast will conclude with Leila Lopes of Angola --Miss Universe 2011 -- crowning her successor.

ABOUT NBC ENTERTAINMENT:

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late-night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, numerous awards, and ratings success. NBC has earned more Emmy Awards than any network in television history. NBC's roster of popular scripted series includes the Emmy Award-winning comedies "The Office" and "30 Rock," as well as the critically acclaimed "Parks and Recreation" and "Community," and new popular comedies "The New Normal," "Go On" and "Guys with Kids." NBC's drama slate is highlighted by the buzz-worthy new series "Revolution" and "Chicago Fire," veteran award-winning shows "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Parenthood," and the acclaimed recent additions "Smash" and "Grimm." Unscripted series for NBC include the vocal competition hit "The Voice" as well as "The Biggest Loser," "The Celebrity Apprentice" and the perennial #1 most-watched summer series, "America's Got Talent."

In late-night, NBC regularly delivers #1 broadcast results with "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "Saturday Night Live." NBC Daytime's "Days of our Lives" consistently ranks among daytime's top programs in the valuable women 18-34 category. The five-time, Emmy Award-winning NBC.com streams full episodes and provides original content for NBC entertainment shows online and through apps for mobile and tablet devices. NBC recently launched NBC Kids, a new Saturday morning programming block designed specifically to address the developmental needs of preschool-aged children. Programmed by the kids' experts at Sprout, the nation's first 24-hour preschool television channel, this new three-hour block will feature educational series that promote active, healthy lifestyles for younger children.

ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE(R)PAGEANT:

The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBCUniversal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Universe is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com.