WILL GOOD LOOKS BE ENOUGH TO HELP THESE BEAUTY QUEENS?, ON ABC'S "WIPEOUT"

"Beauty Queens" - On a special episode of ABC's "Wipeout," THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), twenty four former beauty pageant contestants -- including a "World Banana Queen" and a "Zombie Queen" -- take off their crowns to compete for the $50,000 grand prize and the title of Miss Wipeout. Instead of beginning with a swimsuit competition, the Qualifier kicks off with the beauty queens going head to head against "Tropic Blunder" and ending with a "Wipeout"-style shopping spree at the "Chopping Mall." Twelve competitors who survive the mall madness will move on to challenge the "Miami Pound Machine," after which only six contenders will brace themselves for a not-so-sweet visit to "Sugar Smacks." The first three contestants to endure the sugar rush will move on to face the "Slingshot" and "Rotisserie" obstacles during the final round in the Wipeout Zone. Only one beauty queen will walk away with the $50,000 grand prize, and coveted title of Miss Wipeout, as the others walk away runners-up.

"Wipeout" has successfully taped over 100 episodes, a feat we'll be celebrating all season long. In addition, the series recently won the 2013 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show for the second year in a row.

Each week, 24 energetic new contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes go head to head through four rounds of demanding but hilarious obstacle courses to win the title of Wipeout Champion and the $50,000 grand prize. In the end, only one contestant will be victorious, while everyone else will Wipeout!

"Wipeout" executive producers are Matt Kunitz ("101 Ways to Leave a Game Show," "Fear Factor") and Scott Larsen. Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA.

About Endemol USA

Endemol USA is a leading producer of television programming specializing in unscripted and scripted genres for network and cable television. David Goldberg is Chairman and CEO of Endemol North America. The studio produces hit series including "Big Brother" (CBS), "Wipeout" (ABC) and the syndicated daytime show "Steve Harvey." They are also known for producing some of the most popular non-scripted primetime programming in North America, including "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "Fear Factor." Endemol USA launched Endemol Studios, a scripted television studio operation, in August, 2011. Scripted series include "Hell on Wheels" (AMC), "Red Widow" (ABC) and "Low Winter Sun" (AMC). Endemol USA's subsidiary production companies include Authentic Entertainment ("Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"), Endemol Studios, 51 Minds ("Flavor of Love"), Original Media ("Swamp People") and True Entertainment ("Real Housewives of Atlanta"). Endemol USA is a division of the Endemol Group, a leading international content developer, producer and distributor of television and online programming. The company, headquartered in the Netherlands and the UK, has over 80 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 31 countries, including the major European markets, the U.S., Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. Endemol is a privately held company. For more information, please visit www.endemolusa.tv.

"Wipeout" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.

For more information on "Wipeout," visit ABC.com