Tourism Department confirmed Steve Harvey will once again host the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
At last, it is confirmed that Steve Harvey will be back to host the Miss Universe 2017 which will be hosted by the Philippines in January.
During his hosting stint in the pageant last year, Harvey made international headlines after making a mistake in announcing the winner. He had initially announced Miss Colombia to be the winner, before apologizing and saying that it was Philippines bet Pia Wurtzbach who is supposed to wear the crown.
Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo announced the confirmation on Thursday.
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier expressed misgivings about the return of the host but according to Teo, Harvey’s stint has been approved by the President.
The Miss Universe 2017 coronation night would be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Jan. 30, 2017.
Teo earlier said Harvey has a five-year contract with organizers of the Miss Universe pageant, that is why he cannot leave the hosting stint despite the controversy.
According to the DOT Secretary, she has yet to talk to the Miss Universe organization regarding the possibility that Harvey may have a Filipino co-host during the coronation night.
“Ang importante ay tuloy and we are happy na tuloy na (ang Miss Universe sa Pilipinas),” Teo said.
Teo also expressed Duterte is also happy that the pageant will push through in the country despite earlier reports that it will not.
“He (Duterte) is happy. Sabi niya sa akin, o ‘yung Miss Universe ha tuloy na tuloy na… everbody is happy,” Teo narrated.
During the coronation night, the performers will include artists from the United States with Filipino blood, the tourism chief revealed.
Asked if Bruno Mars is among the performers, she said she has yet to confirm as the roster is still a secret.
