VMA awards asks Olympian to be presenter

Published: September 5, 2008

LOS ANGELES — He does comedy, writes books, and mixes it up with the hottest stars in music and Hollywood. With all this, who needs swimming?

Certainly not Michael Phelps — not anymore, at least. But as a presenter at the 2008 Video Music Awards, all that fresh Olympic bling will certainly help.

The swimmer who took home a record-breaking eight gold medals from the Beijing Games joins Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johansson, Lindsay Lohan and Ciara as presenters at Sunday's VMAs telecast from Los Angeles. British comedian Russell Brand will host.

It's been a busy few weeks for Phelps, who announced he'll write a book about his road to Olympic history (to be released in time for the holidays) and plans to host the Sept. 13 season premiere of "Saturday Night Live.” Phelps recently was in New York City filming a cameo for the HBO series "Entourage.”

Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu of the "High School Musical” franchise will also present at the VMAs, as will "Twilight” actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, MTV said recently.

The network also announced performers Katy Perry, T-Pain, Lupe Fiasco and The Ting Tings.

Performers already announced include Rihanna, Pink, Paramore and T.I., who will be making his first appearance at a major awards show since his arrest right before an awards ceremony last year.

The Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne and Kid Rock are also scheduled to do their thing onstage.

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