Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, ScarJo, Michael Phelps Added to VMAs

MTV's Video Music Awards has fleshed out its roster, adding a parade of big name presenters and performers to those already announced. Among those reading from teleprompters will be Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Scarlett Johansson, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Zach Efron and the rest of the High School Musical crew and the cast of Twilight. Providing musical entertainment throughout the VMAs will be new mixtape duo Travis Barker and DJ AM, who will be joined by artists like Katy Perry, the Ting Tings, Lupe Fiasco and T-Pain "to perform new and past MTV hits as part of a special celebration of the VMAs' 25th birthday." Noticeably absent from both lists is Britney Spears, who will not be present despite rumors to the contrary and appearing in the ads. As previously announced, Kid Roc, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Paramore, T.I., Pink and the Jonas Brothers will also perform. This year's VMAs, hosted by British comedian Russell Brand, will air live from Los Angeles on September 7th.

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Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

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