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Judges named for Miss America Pageant

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- An NFL legend, a multi-platinum recording artist and an Emmy-nominated actress are among the judges for the 2006 Miss America pageant.

The Miss America Organization announced in Pasadena, Calif., Wednesday that San Francisco 49ers-Oakland Raiders receiver Jerry Rice, R&B star Brian McKnight and "Malcolm in the Middle" star Jane Kaczmarek will serve as judges for the final night of the pageant Saturday in Las Vegas. The panel will also include TV personality Leeza Gibbons, fashion expert Robert Verdi, Miss America 1985 Sharlene Wells Hawkes and "Desperate Housewives" star Brenda Strong -- who was Miss Arizona in 1980.

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The 2006 Miss America Pageant, with James Denton serving as host, will be televised live on the CMT cable channel Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern, with a tape-delayed telecast on the West Coast.

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