Britney Spears To Kick Off MTV VMAs

Access Hollywood - September 3, 2008 9:12 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Britney Spears will kick off the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, the network announced on Wednesday.

And the pop star couldn't be happier.

"MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs?" Britney said in a statement to MTV. "I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated."

New 'Idol' Judge On Britney Spears - Play it Now

Britney, who has never won a VMA (despite 16 past nominations), is up this year for Video of the Year, Best Pop Video and Best Female Video for her single "Piece of Me."

However, following her highly criticized musical opener of "Gimme More" at last year's VMAs, Britney will not open this year's show with a performance.

Instead, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said it will be something "fun and unexpected" to kick off Sunday night's show.

All Access: MTV Video Music Awards - Britney Spears - Award Season - TV - MTV

"Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas," Toffler said, referring to last year's uninspired number. "I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show."

Her manager, Larry Rudolph, confirmed the news to Access Hollywood's Billy Bush. Larry added in that Britney's performance would be more of a cameo.

"She is not performing," Larry told Billy. "She looks great and is very excited to be there."

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Britney taped a promo spot with VMA host Russell Brand, which features Brand and Britney, along with a very large, and overtly metaphorical elephant in the room.

The pachyderm performs tricks in the background as Britney and Brand joke about his less-than-household-name-in-America status.

The 25th MTV Video Music Awards air Sunday, September 7 at 9 PM EST.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
Britney Spears - Check Out the Photos
Britney's 'VMA' Promo - Play it Now
The 2007 VMAs: Red Carpet - Check Out the Photos

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comments 1-10 of 19  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Jessie X
    She is hot and sexy.
    report abuseposted September 14, 2008 4:22 AM PDT
  • Jessie X
    She is hot and sexy.
    report abuseposted September 14, 2008 4:22 AM PDT
  • A-Key
    I'm not a Britney fan at all, but I'm glad she's doing better and making a comeback. Having cameras in your face during an emotional time would make anyone crazy, although I admit she went a "little" overboard."
    report abuseposted September 13, 2008 2:55 PM PDT
  • A-Key
    I'm not a Britney fan at all, but I'm glad she's doing better and making a comeback. Having cameras in your face during an emotional time would make anyone crazy, although I admit she went a "little" overboard."
    report abuseposted September 13, 2008 2:55 PM PDT
  • Sinjin G
    i will say that she is turning herself arround and thats a good thing especially for her kids .i may not be a big fan of her or her music but i do see that she is trying to turn herself around to be a better mom and have some self respect for herself and them good luck to ya
    report abuseposted September 7, 2008 11:33 AM PDT
  • felicia
    I can't believe she is going to do it again. I really enjoyed the last time she did it. "Give Me More" That was too funny. I wonder if Sarah Silverman will host again.
    report abuseposted September 4, 2008 9:58 AM PDT
  • Rachael's 19
    Why does Hollywood get more awards than our soldiers?? It's clear they hate America. They embrace Homosexuality, Abortion and Gay Marriage. How does that merit Awards? Can someones please EXPLAIN this to me?? WAITING.
    report abuseposted September 4, 2008 7:44 AM PDT
  • *sHaNnA*
    i just hope she does much better this time around. I was embarrassed just watching her make herself into an idiot last year.
    report abuseposted September 4, 2008 6:46 AM PDT
  • Ladibug
    I'm so glad I'm not watching...
    report abuseposted September 4, 2008 3:16 AM PDT
  • carol a
    i saw concert that was showed from Hawaii some kind of special then she had moves and rythem so can she do that kinda of moves now ,
    report abuseposted September 4, 2008 2:14 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 19  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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