These standout ratings for CMT and the Miss America pageant are just the beginning of a long and successful relationship. The buzz and promotion surrounding the pageant were like no other in our history and the ratings were a resounding victory for the network.

Being on CMT gives us the freedom to acknowledge that, because our audience is by and large not a cynical audience.

(Las Vegas) turned out to be a great city to host a pageant out of. I think that move certainly generated a lot of interest and cast a spotlight on the Miss America Pageant. But where it goes next year, it's too early to tell.

Miss America is a perfect fit for Country Music Television, and we hope last night was step one in a long relationship.