Election Fever Overtakes HGTV Design Star Fans This Week

America Votes for Winner of Reality TV's Ultimate Prize: Host of Own Prime Time Series

HGTV to Pull Out All the Stops in Spectacular Finale to Announce Winner

Airing on Sunday, September 16 at 9 pm ET/PT

The battle for ballots is in full swing for the two HGTV Design Star finalists left standing - artist/landscape architect Todd Davis, 35, of San Francisco and hairstylist/design enthusiast Kim Myles, 34, of New York City-who have overcome all obstacles thrown their way, outshining nine other designers, architects, decorators and artists, as well as surviving seven rigorous design makeover challenges. Todd and Kim are competing to win what many consider to be reality television's grandest prize: host of a prime time TV series on HGTV and a feature in InStyle Home magazine. The winner will be unveiled in an adrenaline-fueled finale full of surprise features on September 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Fans are rushing to the virtual polls to cast their vote to select the next HGTV Design Star following the conclusion of last night's episode, when the pair squared off in the final challenge at an exotic locale, an "Island Dreams Makeover" in Hawaii.

Since then, HGTV's website has been steadily bombarded. Photos of the finalists' designs have already received nearly 200,000 page views in less than 24 hours, and thousands of people have logged on to hgtv.com to post their fervid opinions in the popular interactive "Rate my Work" area of the HGTV Design Star website.

For the final challenge, Todd and Kim have each designed a luxury suite in the famed Outrigger Hotel on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii-both creating dramatic rooms with plenty of visual pop with just 32 hours and $10,000. Todd has created an aquatic-themed space inspired by blue hues and original artwork, such as a seven-foot jellyfish to hang above the dining room table. Kim refers to her design as "tropical punch," and has transformed the space using warm, "juicy" colors and crafting special headboards and features that draw on local island artists.

Voting is open until noon ET this Wednesday, September 12. Until then, anyone can cast a vote online at HGTV.com/DesignStar or text message his or her choice via mobile phone to HGTV1 or 44881; they can text the letter A to vote for Kim or the letter B to vote for Todd. Voters can cast their ballot a total of six times per day-submitting up to five text messages and one online vote daily.

"HGTV is extremely pleased with the final two vying to win HGTV Design Star, and either would be a terrific addition to the network's amazing talent roster," said James Bolosh, HGTV's vice president of event programming.

In the September 16 finale (9 p.m. ET/PT), viewers can expect a spectacle, including the return of sparkle Josh, Will, Robb and the rest of the original cast of 11, as well as special guests and highlights from the series. A number of the network's top talent and hosts will also come out to Hollywood to show their support from the studio audience and help welcome the new host-to-be winner to the HGTV family.

HGTV Design Star is the top rated prime time show in the network's history. Since the series premiere on July 22, more than 22 million viewers have tuned-in-a figure that does not include Sunday night's highly watched final challenge episode.

About HGTV

HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 93 million U.S. households and is one of cable's top-rated networks. HGTV's website, http://www.HGTV.com is the nation's leading online home and garden destination that attracts an average of 5.4 million unique visitors per month. HGTV owns 33 percent of HGTV Canada and provides much of the Canadian network's daily programming. The network's branded programming also can be seen in 124 territories across all seven continents and its selected programming is available to service men and women on board Navy ships and through American Forces Radio & Television Service (AFRTS) which services more than 1,000 outlets in over 175 countries. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville and New York, HGTV is wholly owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP), which also operates Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living and Great American Country.