Russell Brand returns to host the VMAs

British comedian famously mocked Jonas Brothers’ purity rings last year

Chris Pizzello / AP file

Host Russell Brand poses backstage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Interviews, performances

Fans walk out on Spears in Australia
Nov. 7: It took Australian fans of Britney Spears only three songs to desert the pop diva after it became evident she was lip-synching. Msnbc's Alex Witt reports.

U2 performs free concert in Berlin

Rihanna: 'This album was my recovery'

Keith Urban sings ‘Kiss a Girl’

Lovett 'always' enthused about music's future

updated 12:42 p.m. ET July 14, 2009

NEW YORK - MTV liked Russell Brand so much, they called him back for more.

The British comedian-actor — known for his deadpan, off-kilter humor — will host the Video Music Awards for the second year in a row, MTV announced Tuesday.

Brand, 34, says he feels “invigorated” to return as master of ceremonies for the live event, which will be held in New York on Sept. 13.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

“It’s very bracing, like stepping into a warm — no, a cool — powerful ocean,” he said, poetically.

Brand, whose film roles include a scene-stealing role as a rock star in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” famously mocked the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings at last year’s show in Los Angeles.

“I’m gonna personally invite them because I love those boys,” he quipped, noting “there will be some controversy” this time around.

The telecast will be staged at different venues, including Radio City Music Hall, where the VMAs were broadcast in 2006. MTV said country superstar Taylor Swift will perform; the nominees and other performers will be announced later.

“There’s gonna be huge performances all over New York City,” Brand said. “On Brooklyn Bridge, there will be a performance. You know that spike on top of the Empire State Building? Someone is gonna perform on top of that. ... Its gonna be mind-blowing ... get ready. I don’t know if you’re wearing a hat, but if you are, you should hold on to it.”