(CNN) — For the first time, viewers will be able to ask Miss USA contestants a question via Twitter during Sunday’s broadcast, pageant officials said.
The two-hour program will be broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Fans have been able to tweet using #AskMissUSA since last week, officials said, and may tweet throughout the broadcast.
“One lucky fan’s question will be read to a Top Five finalist during the interview portion,” organizers said in a statement.
“Live tweets will be incorporated during the swimsuit and evening gown portions, giving viewers an opportunity to follow what fans are saying in real time,” said executive producer Barry Adelman in a statement. “Plus, we wanted to add an element of suspense by integrating social media into the final question portion. It will all come down to one contestant, one fan and 140 characters.”
In the 2011 pageant, the organization launched a first-ever online voting campaign, officials said, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite contestant. That feature will continue in 2012.
Contestants representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete in the swimsuit, evening gown and interview portions. Miss USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, will crown this year’s winner.
Miss USA will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant.
This year’s panel of celebrity judges include chef Cat Cora; talk-show host and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Arsenio Hall; musician Joe Jonas; actress Marilu Henner; television personality Rob Kardashian; Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008; George Kotsiopoulous, co-host of E!’s “Fashion Police”; and Ali Fedotowsky, formerly of “The Bachelorette.”
Andy Cohen, host of “Watch What Happens: Live” on Bravo and Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of “E! News,” will host the competition. Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne who also appears on E!’s “Fashion Police,” will serve as commentator, along with Jeannie Mai of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?”
