The evening will feature performances by popular artists, staged all over Manhattan, including Radio City Music Hall. 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).

For her first VMA performance, country-pop superstar Taylor Swift will sing a never before heard version of "You Belong With Me," off her multi-platinum 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. Stay tuned for more big announcements regarding performers, nominees, and presenters.

"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