Mel B and Thomas Roberts will host the 62nd edition of Miss Universe competition on Nov. 9 from Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. Donald J. Trump of NBC and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization announced the hosts for the pageant. Both the hosts come from the NBC family - Mel B is the judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent," and Roberts is the host of "MSNBC Live."

The location of this year's Miss Universe contest sparked controversy because Russia released laws that prohibited "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations around minors" and deterred the public discussion of homosexuality.

Andy Cohen, who hosted Miss Universe's 2011 and 2012 editions, declared in Aug. that he would not return as host of the pageant due to Russian laws. On the law, he said that it is not right for him to even enter Russia.

The Miss Universe contest issued a statement in Aug. stating that the Russian laws are "diametrically opposed to the core values" of the organisation.

Thomas Roberts co-hosts Miss Universe 2013. Credit: Instagram/thomasaroberts

Roberts is openly gay and wrote a blog post on MSNBC's website about his decision to host Miss Universe 2013 despite the Russian laws. He wrote that his co-hosting the pageant is a great opportunity from LGBT people. He stressed that he is like millions of LGBT people and they are hard-working and regular people from great families.

He also remarked on his being gay.

"I am unafraid to say I am proud of my husband and my family-I'm proud of their love for me. I'm proud of the incredible steps forward equality has taken this year," Roberts wrote.

Through this activity as a journalist and anchor, he is offering his support to the LGBT community in Russia.

Melanie Brown or Mel B appeared as the judge on "America's Got Talent's" eighth season. She is best to known to audiences as one of the members of Spice Girls. She previously hosted the 2008th edition of Miss Universe in Vietnam.