Miss USA hopefuls take the stage for pageant telecast from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas

Co-Owner of the Miss Universe Organization, Donald Trump, addresses the 51 contestants of 2012 Miss USA pageant.

LAS VEGAS — A parade of beauty queens in swimsuits and evening gowns are competing to become the next Miss USA in Las Vegas.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella will crown her successor during the competition at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday night.

The judge’s panel includes Chef Cat Cora, TV personality Arsenio Hall, singer Joe Jonas and reality TV star Rob Kardashian. The show will also feature performances from Akon and Cobra Starship. Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic are stepping in to host.

The pageant has three competitions: swimsuit, evening gown and interview question. Contestants from 50 states and the District of Columbia will be whittled to 15 after the show’s opening number based on competitions and interviews during the week before the telecast.

The winner will represent the United States at the 61st Miss Universe pageant. An American has not been named Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.

The Miss Universe Organization is co-owned by NBC and Donald Trump. The competition is not affiliated with the Miss America pageant.

SOURCE: Associated Press, 6/3/2012

***The show's live broadcast starts tonight at 9:00 PM EST on NBC.