Selena Gomez tapped to host MTV Video Music Awards pre-show

Selena Gomez is no longer just playing to tweens. The “Wizards of Waverly Place” actress-turned-pop star will host the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show on Aug. 28, interviewing celebs and musicians outside downtown’s Nokia Theatre on the VMA’s customary “black carpet.” Gomez won’t be going it alone, as she’ll be joined by a cadre of MTV personalities, and rock act Cobra Starship, who will perform.

Gomez currently has a hit album with her backing band the Scene, “When the Sun Goes Down,” which is at No. 17 on the U.S. pop chart. Since its release about two months ago, the Hollywood Records album has sold 249,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In a statement, Gomez noted that she holds a special place in her heart for the pre-telecast. “After all of my years watching the VMAs, the pre-show has always been one of my favorite parts,” Gomez says. “It is a true honor to be hosting from the black carpet this year.”

Gomez and the Scene aren’t on the list of performers for the telecast, which will be covered on Awards Tracker and our sister blog Pop & Hiss. The VMAs and its pre-show will be broadcast live for East Coast audiences beginning at 8 p.m. Pacific time, and artists slated to appear include Lady Gaga, Adele, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Young the Giant.

source: latimes.com