MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS ROCK!

Comedian Chris Rock has been tapped to host the 20^th anniversary edition of the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, which will return to New York City for the fifth straight year at Radio City Music Hall August 28. The hallowed Hall was the scene of the very first show in 1984, where Madonna made history by writhing around on-stage in a wedding dress for "Like a Virgin," steaming up then-Columbia Records chief Al Teller’s glasses in the front row.

The announcement was made by MTV/MTV2 President Van Toffler, who added nominees, performers and presenters will be announced shortly. The NYC Host Committee has created the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards Host Committee to support the show.

Toffler recalled, "Four years ago, Chris Rock’s opening monologue just about got the both of us taken out by J.Lo's bodyguards, so we unquestionably invited him back, and why not. We are returning to where it all started back in 1984, Radio City Music Hall, where we've thrown some of our biggest, stupidest, and most twisted parties to date."

"Can't wait to do it," added Chris Rock.

Said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome MTV's 20th Annual Video Music Awards show to New York City. Their decision underscores New York's premier status as the most spectacular city in the world for music and entertainment, and world-class events. Last year's VMA's were an enormous success, generating much needed revenue for the City and showcasing New York as an exciting place to live, work and visit. We are delighted that MTV is hosting their 20th anniversary show in their hometown, and I for one, can't wait to see what happens at this year's event. Of course, anyone caught loitering in front of the Music Hall without a ticket will receive a summons."

The first-ever MTV Video Music Awards Host Committee, comprised of executives from MTV, NYC & Company and various governmental agencies, offers historical knowledge, increases efficiencies and coordinates city agency activities surrounding the event. They will also implement grass-roots promotional programs designed to build the buzz and generate a "New York-sized welcome" for the upcoming Video Music Awards 20th Anniversary.