Olivia Culpo, Jeannie Mai Jenkins to host Miss Universe; Catriona Gray is backstage commentator

Olivia Culpo will return as a Miss Universe co-host for the upcoming pageant along with Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Variety exclusively reported.

Crowned Miss Universe 2012, Olivia previously co-hosted the pageant in 2021 with Mario Lopez.

Meanwhile, Jeannie, the Daytime Emmy winner and host of “The Real,” also served as a Miss Universe and Miss USA commentator in the past.

The Philippines’ own Catriona Gray or Miss Universe 2018 will be one of this year’s backstage commentators. Joining her is “American Ninja Warrior” co-host and “Access Hollywood” correspondent Zuri Hall.

It was announced last December that long-time Miss Universe host Steve Harvey won’t be returning, as the pageant aims to “make sure we led with a female lens.”

The Philippines’ bet, Celeste Cortesi, has already flown to New Orleans for the competition.

Miss Universe 2022 is happening on January 14 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Over 85 candidates will be competing for the crown. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News