Mario Lopez to Host Miss America Pageant 2009

Mario Lopez receives a visit from reigning Miss America Kirsten Haglund on the set of EXTRA Monday night.

Kirsten dropped by as Mario revealed that he has been named host of the 2009 Miss America Pageant, which will take place on January 24 in Las Vegas and air on TLC.

Says the 34-year-old former Saved By The Bell star: “I’m thrilled to return as host of Miss America Pageant on TLC and look forward to joining the contestants this January in Las Vegas,”

In addition to Mario, Clinton Kelly will return as special correspondent.