By April MacIntyre Jul 14, 2009, 16:30 GMT
Hirsute actor and comedian, Russell Brand, will get another crack at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
Hirsute actor and comedian, Russell Brand, will get another crack at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
MTV has also announced that Taylor Swift and Muse will appear for the first time on The VMAs Stage.
The setting will be New York City as comedian Russell Brand returns as host of the "2009 MTV Video Music Awards." The evening will feature performances by today's most popular artists, staged all over Manhattan, including Radio City Music Hall, and will feature appearances by the biggest names in music, television and film.
MTV's 26th annual Video Music Awards will air live from New York City, for the 14th time in its history, on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).
County-pop superstar Taylor Swift will sing a never before heard version of “You Belong With Me,” off her album Fearless. Marking their first ever TV performance in the U.S., British rockers Muse will debut their latest single “Uprising” from their upcoming album The Resistance.
"We are thrilled that despite numerous death threats from Jonas Brothers fans, Russell Brand has accepted our offer to put his life on the line and host the VMAs again this year," said Stephen Friedman, GM of MTV. "We're also excited to be coming home to bring the most rambunctious night in music back to New York City."
“MTV began in New York City and – like many of us – never left,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “New York City’s music scene is second to none. Every night of the week, our clubs, cabarets, and concert halls are overflowing with the latest and greatest sounds. The Video Music Awards showcase the best in music, production and art, I’m thrilled to welcome the show back to the Big Apple for the 14th time. The VMAs will bring even more excitement to the City That Never Sleeps, and they’ll give us a chance to introduce thousands of visitors to great music and arts attractions across all five boroughs.”
“This year will be a controversy free festival of love and discrete orgasms,” said Russell Brand.
“I’m so excited that MTV and the VMAs have invited me to perform, because I think this year’s show will be unlike anything they’ve ever done! I love incorporating theatrics into my performances, and the VMAs have always allowed artists to run with that. MTV has been so good to me, and I could not be more excited about this year’s VMAs!” - Taylor Swift
"We are honored to be invited to play at the VMAs which will be our first ever U.S. TV performance, and the first ever U.S. performance of our debut single from our new album 'The Resistance' coming out September 15th in the U.S., and of course another great excuse to hang out in New York City for a few days!" -Matt Bellamy, Muse
Upcoming projects for Brand include the highly anticipated comedy Get Him to the Greek. Being reunited with producer Judd Apatow and director Nick Stoller, Brand will star opposite Jonah Hill and reprise his role as "Aldous Snow". Brand will also be seen in the role of "Trinculo" in Julie Taymore's version of The Tempest. He is also attached to play the titular characters in the remakes of Drop Dead Fred and Arthur.
From performer announcements to rehearsal details, fans will be the first to know all the VMA news by following the “insideMTV” twitter account at here. Exclusive tweets, videos and photos will be posted all the way leading up to and throughout the big show.
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