JAY-Z & MORE TO PERFORM FOR MTV AWARDS

MTV has announced that JAY-Z and Lady Gaga will join the already impressive list of VMAs performers that includes Green Day, P!nk, Taylor Swift and Muse. Critically acclaimed artist JAY-Z, a “Best Male Video” and “Best Hip Hop” nominee for “D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune),” will hit the stage to perform a song from his highly anticipated upcoming album The Blueprint 3. International sensation Lady Gaga, known for her over the top live performances and fashion forward style is sure to bring the crowd to their feet with a single from her multi-platinum debut album, The Fame. Gaga will vie for an outstanding nine moonmen including the coveted “Video of the Year.” In addition, Nelly Furtado, Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester and iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove have joined Katy Perry, Ne-Yo and Chace Crawford to present. As previously announced, comedian Russell Brand will host the show. The “2009 MTV Video Music Awards” will air live on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT) and on Sunday, September 20 at 5pm ET with Spanish subtitles on MTV Tr3s. MTV will announce additional performers and presenters on a later date.

“I’m simply gutted to be both a performer and nominee at the 2009 VMAs. In fact, I’m so happy, I could die.” – Gaga

MTV News and V CAST from Verizon Wireless are giving customers an All Access video pass to the 2009 VMAs, with an unprecedented inside look at the making of the biggest music event of the year. Verizon Wireless customers can sign up for VMA text alerts by texting VIP to 8911 to receive VMA news insider reports delivered directly to their Verizon Wireless phones.

Viewers can vote for general VMA categories, including “Best New Artist,” by visiting vma.mtv.com. Verizon Wireless subscribers also can vote by texting VMA to 97979. Voting began Tuesday, August 4. “Best New Artist” voting continues through the show, live on September 13.

MTV, Pepsi and Rock Band(TM) have created a new category at this year’s VMAs, “Best Performance in a Pepsi Rock Band Video” that allows fans, for the first time, to win their very own Moonman. This summer, contestants entered their original Rock Band(TM) music videos, which fans will then vote on to select the ultimate winner. Viewers can help decide which band will travel to the “2009 MTV Video Music Awards,” walk the red carpet, receive their Moonman, and be featured in an MTV produced promotional spot airing the night of the show by logging on to www.PepsiRockBand.com from August 8 – September 1.