'E! News' co-anchor Giuliana Rancic was beside herself with excitement about the fact that the top two contenders for 'The 2011 Miss USA Pageant' (Sun., 9PM ET on NBC) turned out to be best friends. She was co-hosting the event with Andy Cohen of 'Watch What Happens: Live' and kept repeating "they're best friends," until Cohen picked up the call.

Before announcing the eventual winner, Cohen then said the phrase no less than four more times. "I just want to point out that if for any reason the new Miss USA cannot fulfill her duties," he explained with laughter, "Her best friend, the first runner up, is going to take over, okay?"

It made for a bittersweet finale to a night of beauty and talent. Each of the women would be thrilled for the other, but of course each wants that special moment on the stage with the crown and the tears and the sash and the walk. So who took it home?

The Miss America Pageant just can't get a break.

It lost its major network contract a few years ago and went to CMT for two years, and now the show is homeless again. CMT has decided not to renew the contract for the show. Producers are looking for another network for the show.

I have no doubt they'll find another outlet, but I wonder why this show is having so much trouble when The Miss USA Pageant and Miss Universe Pageant get so-so ratings and still get renewed until 2011. Is it because Donald Trump is behind those events? Does Miss America have to be involved in some scandal to get attention? Maybe one of the Miss America contestants can kill a guy with her bare hands, or be photographed coming out of a car without underwear on? How about putting them all on an island?

Readers, lets help the producers out. How can this show compete in this new television landscape?