Natalie Morales and Andy Cohen to host 2011 Miss Universe Pageant

It was announced today that Natalie Morales of NBC's "Today" and Andy Cohen of Bravo's "Watch What Happens: Live" will co-host the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant on Monday, Sept. 12, live from Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazi,l on NBC from 9-11 p.m. A Spanish simulcast will air on Telemundo.

"We are happy to welcome Andy and Natalie to the Miss Universe stage where they are sure to turn up the heat in São Paulo," said Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe pageant. "This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Miss Universe Pageant and what better place to showcase beautiful women from around the world than in Brazil, a country that is as charming and beautiful as its people."

In addition to serving as news anchor for NBC's "Today,"  Morales has also been serving as co-host of its third hour since 2006, when she joined the NBC News team as a national correspondent. Morales previously hosted the 2010 Miss USA Pageant and the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant.

Cohen additionally serves as the executive vice president of original programming and development for Bravo, where he oversees development and production for more than a dozen shows, including "Top Chef," "The Real Housewives" franchises and "The Millionaire Matchmaker."

Brazil's hosting of the Miss Universe Pageant will kick off a series of other worldwide events hosted by the country, including the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

The event will feature contestants representing about 90 countries around the world who will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In past years, the program's distribution reached across 190 countries and territories.