The team from MTV News will give viewers plenty of access to the 2009 Video Music Awardsbefore the celebrities even make their way to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan Sunday night.
As part of the 2009 VMA Preshow at 8 p.m. on Sept. 13, MTV will work with LiveU to produce live remote interviews with celebrities as they get dressed in their hotel rooms and make their way to the red carpet. LiveU's state-of-the-art system will enable MTV News to transmit via cellular broadband technology without the use of satellites, microwaves or cable.
During the preshow event, MTV News reporters Sway and Tim Kash, along with celebrity guest fashion
correspondent, Twilight's Ashley Greene, will bring fans all the red carpet action from right outside the iconic venue, owned by Cablevision. Inside Radio City Music Hall, reporters Jim Cantiello and Kim Stolz will scour the backstage areas to track down all the VMA secrets and show last-minute, behind-the-scenes preparations.
MTV has also tapped popular video blogger iJustine, Justine Ezarik, as its "Twitter correspondent" during this year's VMA Weekend and red carpet pre-show. Ezarik will analyze worldwide Twitter responses as participants stride on the red carpet before the VMAs.
Viewers tuning into the preshow will also get a first-look at the video for the highly anticipated movie Fame.
Meanwhile, MTV is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment on the exclusive premiere during the VMAs of the official trailer from This is It, the film chronicling the rehearsals by the late Michael Jackson for what would have been his 50-performance stand at London's O2 Arena.
Speaking of the Jackson clan, sister Janet will make a special appearance during the opening of the VMAs that will honor the King of Pop's celebrated career.
Comedian Russell Brand will host the show, which begins at 9 p.m. (ET). Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Green Day, P!nk, Taylor Swift and Muse are confirmed to perform, while Katy Perry, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Miranda Cosgrove will serve as presenters.
Wale and the legendary go go band UCB are the official VMAs house band and will collaborate with artists including The All-American Rejects, Pitbull and 3OH!3.
MTV's 2009 VMAs will air at 9 p.m.on a delayed basis on the West Coast, and on Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. (ET) with Spanish subtitles on MTV Tr3́s.
