Brand Reprises VMAs Hosting Role
British Comedian To Lead MTV Event In New York Sept. 13
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 7/14/2009 11:33:19 AM EDT
For the second year running, British comedian and actor Russell Brand will host MTV's Video Music Awards.The 26th installment of the VMAs will take place Sept. 13 in New York City, marking the 14th time the event has been staged in the Big Apple. The 2009 edition will be based out of Radio City Music Hall, but will feature live performances from artists in venues across Manhattan.
MTV also confirmed that Taylor Swift will perform a never before heard version of her song "You Belong With Me," and that British rockers Muse will make their first ever U.S. TV appearance and premiere their new single "Uprising."
Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bedtime Stories) helped deliver a significant ratings improvement among MTV's target 12-to-34 set with last year's 25th anniversary Moonman fest, which drew 8.43 million viewers overall, a 19%
gain over the 2007 VMAs.
"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 MTV general manager Stephen Friedman in a statement.. "We're also excited to be coming home to bring the most rambunctious night in music back to New York City."
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