Russell Brand returns as VMA host

Russell Brand didn't win across-the-board praise as host of the MTV Video Music Awards last year -- far from it, in fact. But he did get people talking, which is why he'll be hosting the show again this year.

MTV announced Tuesday (July 14) that Brand will serve as host for the VMAs, which will air from New York on Sept. 13. Brand, for his part, promises that "This year will be a controversy-free festival of love and discrete orgasms."

See pics from the 2008 VMAs

The British comic and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" star took some heat after last year's awards for a number of his bawdy jokes, including one about the purity rings pop stars the Jonas Brothers wear. Says MTV general manager Stephen Friedman, "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."

The show has also lined up its first two performers in country star Taylor Swift -- who will sing a "never before heard version" of "You Belong with Me" -- and British band Muse, which will debut its newest single at the awards. Other performers and nominees will be announced closer to the airdate.

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