Kanye West ends VMA boycott

In recognition of the ceremony's silver anniversary, Brand said MTV would pay homage to the show's storied past. In particular, Katy Perry, the singer of the summer's biggest hit "I Kissed A Girl," will cover Madonna's "Like A Virgin."

"There's a lot of virginity and lesbianism, let me tell you that, going on at the show," said Brand.

Other previously announced performers include R&B singer Rihanna and Detroit rocker Kid Rock, who allowed the media to watch him rehearse his big new hit "All Summer Long."

Separately, MTV announced that videos by West, Death Cab For Cutie, Erykah Badu, Gnarls Barkley and White Stripes won early awards in the professional categories.

Gnarls Barkley's "Run" was honored for art direction and choreography," while Badu's "Honey" won for direction, Death Cab For Cutie's "I Will Possess Your Heart" for editing, the White Stripes' "Conquest" for cinematography," and West's "Good Life" featuring T-Pain for special effects.

Spears is among the high-profile nominees on Sunday, with bids for video of the year, female video and pop video, all for her tune "Piece of Me."