Chelsea Handler Announced As MTV VMA Host

MTV brings the cutting-edge comedy of Chelsea Handler to the most important evening in music and pop culture as she hosts the “2010 MTV Video Music Awards.” Keeping fans Twitter ready, late-show host and author, Handler will deliver her comedic edge, pop culture wit and hilarious social commentary to this year’s show. As previously announced, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Drake, B.o.B and Florence + The Machine. Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Trey Songz, Ashley Greene, Selena Gomez and Ne-Yo are confirmed to present. The “2010 MTV Video Music Awards” will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT.) MTV will announce additional performers and presenters on a later date.

“This has been a huge year for hip-hop and rap, and it is well-known that I have the closest ties with these communities – musically and sexually,” said Chelsea Handler. “I am to rap and hippity-hop, what Warren Buffet is to finance, minus the sex.”

Chelsea Handler has become one of entertainment’s most sought after and versatile rising stars. In July 2007, Chelsea broke into the world of late-night talk shows with her show, “Chelsea Lately.” Her hit show offers a tongue-in-cheek look at entertainment news, celebrity truths and rumors that just won’t die, along with other hot topics of the day. Bringing refreshing new energy to and redefining perceptions of the talk show. In addition to her wildly successful television series, Chelsea is equally well-known as a best-selling author. Her first book, entitled My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands was released in the U.S. and over twenty other countries to become a bestseller for several weeks running. Her follow-up book, entitled Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list as did her third book entitled Chelsea Chelsea, Bang Bang. All three books remain on the top ten New York Times best sellers list today (hardcover and paperback).

Viewers can now vote for general VMA categories, including “Best New Artist,” by visiting vma.mtv.com. In addition, text voting for “Best New Artist” is open to all wireless carrier subscribers by texting BNA to 97979. Voting continues through the show, live on September 12. Also, Verizon Wireless subscribers can vote in all categories by texting VMA to 97979 (standard message rates apply.)