Chris Harrison is temporarily trading rose ceremonies for tiaras, signing on for a seventh season as host of the Miss America Pageant.
While Harrison’s co-host has yet to be announced (Lara Spencer had the gig the past two years), he will be joined at the event by judges Brett Eldredge, Taya Kyle, Kevin O’Leary, Amy Purdy and Zendaya. Exec producers are Anthony Eaton, Sam Haskell and Dick Clark Productions’ Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan and Mark Bracco. Tall Pony Productions produces.
“It is an honor to be back as host of Miss America for the seventh time,” said Harrison. “This is a special event that has become near and dear to my heart. I’m proud to say I’m one of the longest-running hosts in the competition’s iconic 95 year history.”
Feeling the @MissAmericaOrg love. Every state sending their support. Can't wait to be back on your stage hosting the 95th anniversary
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) August 20, 2015
ABC will air the 2016 Miss America Competition live starting at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 13 from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Harrison is getting lots of practice with similar events, as he’s currently hosting “Bachelor in Paradise” recap discussion show “After Paradise” at 9 p.m. Mondays on ABC.
The event suffered a ratings downfall last year, recording its lowest score to date on a broadcast network when it was pit against NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” The same challenge awaits this year, as NBC is airing the Giants-Cowboys game starting at 8:30 p.m. ET that night.
