• With just over a week remaining until the Video Music Awards, MTV has announced this year’s presenters will include the cast of Entourage, Alicia Keys, Nicole Scherzinger, Pamela Anderson and Jamie Foxx. Akon, 50 Cent and Souljah Boy have joined the list of performers, which already includes Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and Rihanna, among others. However, Amy Winehouse has surprised no one and pulled out of her VMA performance while she continues to work on the health issues that caused the cancellation of her fall tour. Will Britney perform? It looks to be a go, but no confirmation yet.

• Things are heating up again in the Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown custody battle: In recently released legal papers, Brown says Whitney “has attempted to eliminate me from Bobbi Kris’ life.” He claims he has been unable to see their daughter since June, while Houston insists Brown has been “almost totally uninvolved” in taking care of Bobbi Kristina.

• The substances found when DMX’s home was raided have been described as “a usable amount of marijuana” and an unidentifiable “chunky textured substance” that will be tested further. Police had originally arrived at the Arizona home to investigate pet-abuse claims.

• The Who are set to release two DVDs on November 6th, one for casual fans and one for die-hards. Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who will tell the band’s history through new interviews and rare concert footage, while the optional companion Amazing Journey: Six Quick Ones will profile each band member individually and include segments on Mod culture and the recording of 2003’s Real Good Looking Boy.

• John Mellencamp has announced a fall tour that will begin in late October, after he performs at the NFL kickoff game on September 6th and at this year’s Farm Aid on September 9th. Keep reading for full dates.

John Mellencamp Tour Dates:
October 26: Terre Haute, IN (Hulman Center)
October 27: Champaign, IL (Assembly Center)
October 28: Louisville, KY (Freedom Hall)
October 30: Grand Rapids, MI (Van Andel Area)
November 1: Ft. Wayne, IN (Memorial Coliseum)
November 2: Toledo, OH (Seagate Convention Centre)
November 3: Indianapolis, IN (Conseco Field House)
November 6: Madison, WI (Alliant Energy Center)
November 7: Mankato, MN (Alltel Center)
November 9: Des Moines, IA (Wells Fargo Arena)
November 10: Sioux City, IA (Tyson Events Center)
November 11: Omaha, NE (Qwest Center)
November 14: Rockford, IL (Metrocentre)
November 15: St. Louis, MO (Scottrade Center)

Photo: Gries/Getty