MUMBAI: Bangkok, Thailand is gearing up to play host to contestants from more than 80 countries around the globe for the 54th annual Miss Universe competition.

The show will air live in the US on NBC and in India on Star World on 30 May 2005.

Access Hollywood's Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell will co-host the event. A few days ago Star World had shown Miss USA which was also co-hosted by Bush.

Miss Universe 2005 will be chosen by an international judging panel which includes the executive producer of NBC hit shows like Friends and Joey Kevin Bright.

Miss Universe Organisation president Paul Shugart said, "Thailand is world-class tourist destination which is ready to play host to the Miss Universe pageant and the thousands of international travellers from over 80 different nations who will converge on the country over the next three weeks. We are excited to show our contestants, judging panel, fans and the television viewers this incredible country and all it has to offer."

India will be represented by Amrita. Chelsea Cooley, Miss USA 2005, will represent the US as she competes with women from all corners of the globe for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2005. Chelsea, a North Carolina native, is a student at the Art Institute of Charlotte, where she is majoring in fashion marketing.

Australia's Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe 2004, will participate in the evening's show and crown her successor.