Glitz and glamour for the teen crowd

The biggest glamour pageant this side of California’s gubernatorial race unfolds tonight in Palm Springs as a fresh-faced field of 51 young women compete for the title of “Miss Teen USA” (8 p.m., NBC).

The competition, part of Donald Trump’s Miss Universe/Miss USA production deal with the network, has been remarkably evenhanded about crowning winners since debuting in 1983.

With representatives from each state plus the District of Columbia taking part, only one state has captured the title more than once -- Oregon in ’88 and ’90 -- and just two states, Nebraska and Montana, have yet to land a contestant among the 15 semifinalists.

Texas has enjoyed the broadest success, winning in ’96 and making it to the semis 13 times. California took the title in ’94 and has nine semifinal appearances.

TV’s Mario Lopez (“The Other Half”) and Brooke Burns (“Dog Eat Dog”) will host, and a panel of eight judges -- including L.A. Galaxy soccer star Cobi Jones and teacher of the year Betsy Rogers -- rate the hopefuls based on their showings in swimsuits, evening gowns and interviews.

So what’s in it for the winner? The $150,000 diamond-and-pearl crown will be theirs in spirit for the full year’s reign, but in reality, it’s just on loan. The one she gets to keep goes for $15,000, still a pretty pricey piece of headgear.

There’s a salary too, but the amount is apparently a secret. The top teen also will get about $8,500 in cash and thousands more in prizes, including shopping sprees and teeth whitening.

What happens if dermatological problems surface? Not to worry: Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher will be there for you, gratis, for the next 12 months. Caps knocked loose while roller-blading? New York dentist Dr. Matthew Kaufman is a phone call away.

With all this support going for her, you can bet that the crown will rest easily on the winner’s head tonight.