Jen Jones News

MTV News kicks off the biggest night in music with the first-ever televised solo performance from Young Money's first lady, Nicki Minaj at the '2010 VMA Pre-Show' on Sunday, September 12 at 8pm (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT.) Nicki Minaj, one of hip-hop's most innovative artists today known for her playful lyrics and fashion forward style, will set the carpet on fire with a live performance of her hit single 'Your Love.' Beginning Tuesday, September 7th, MTV & Nicki Minaj will launch a Twitter contest in which ten lucky fans will win a front row spot to watch her performance. For detailed information on the contest, follow both @NickiMinaj and @MTVTJ. Winners will be announced on Friday, September 10th.

For the first time on television, Linkin Park will be performing their #1 single on the Billboard Alternative and Rock Songs Chart, 'The Catalyst' for fans at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. This marks the first single off their highly anticipated new album, A Thousand Suns scheduled for release on Tuesday, September 14. Other performers on the show include Usher, Paramore, Eminem, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, B.o.B, Florence + The Machine, along with Travie McCoy, Jason Derulo and Robyn who will perform with this year's VMA house artist, deadmau5.

Get your twitter fingers ready for more unforgettable moments as MTV announces the first round of artists who will perform LIVE at the '2010 MTV Video Music Awards.' Kanye, Drake and Florence + The Machine will take creative leaps and bring fans an evening filled with groundbreaking performances that will be discussed for years to come. With the highly anticipated release of Kanye West's new album this fall, music lovers and fans alike will be glued to the screen to see what the rapper has in store for the audience when he hits the VMA stage. This year's awards will mark the first VMA performance for Grammy- nominated hip-hop artist Drake and UK indie favorite Florence + The Machine, who will perform her 4-time VMA nominated 'Dog Days Are Over.' Nicki Minaj, Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Trey Songz, Selena Gomez and Ne-Yo are the first presenters confirmed for the show. The '2010 MTV Video Music Awards' will air live from Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT.) MTV will announce additional performers, presenters and host on a later date.

MTV turned New York City inside out for the '2009 Video Music Awards' as the network celebrated a legend and brought together the biggest names in music, TV, film and sports. Live from Radio City Music Hall, VMA icon Madonna opened the show and introduced the emotional and heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson was joined onstage by the most renowned choreographers in the world and Michael's tour dancers, all of whom were influenced by the 'King of Pop,' for a memorable and high energy performance. To honor her brother and his illustrious career, the dancers recreated some of his most memorable music videos including 'Thriller,' 'Bad,' 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Scream.' The celebration received a standing ovation and set the tone for the most important evening in music and pop culture.