Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images

The 37th annual American Music Awards have lined up a few more acts to take the stage at the show on November 22. Green Day, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige have joined the performers list, which includes Rihanna, Jay-Z and Adam Lambert, to name a few, for the awards show that will air live on ABC.

"We're very excited about having Green Day, Rihanna, Shakira, Mary J. Blige and Keith Urban all performing on one stage," AMAs producer Larry Klein said in a statement. "Each year, we try to have a variety of artists and sounds, and I think these performers really showcase the depth of what this show brings to its fans."

	2009 American Music Award Performers

The night's other big performers include Lady Gaga, Eminem, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas.

The awards show will feature an array of nominees determined by data from Nielsen SoundScan radio and retail figures, with Taylor Swift in the lead with six nominations, followed by Eminem and the late Michael Jackson at five apiece. Though Jackson had not released new material for nearly a decade at the time of his passing, his nominations are based on the strong sales of his catalog albums following his death.

Swift's nominations include Artist of the Year, Favorite Country Album (for Fearless), Favorite Female Pop or Rock Artist and Favorite Female Country Artist. MJ was also recognized in the Pop or Rock Artist of the Year category, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album (for Number Ones). Em's nominations include Artist of the Year; Favorite Male Pop or Rock Artist; Favorite Male Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album (for Relapse).

Other multiple-category nominees include Lady Gaga, T.I., Kings of Leon, Beyoncé and the Peas, who all have three. For the third year, winners will be determined by online voting.

• 2009 American Music Awards Performers

• Green Day
• Shakira
• Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — Mary J. Blige aims to inspire and empower women through her songs and charitable efforts, so it's fitting that the legendary singer is among several honorees — including actress Raven-Symoné, model Naomi Campbell and Queen Latifah — at the Black Girls Rock! Awards on Saturday. The fourth-annual fundraiser, hosted by Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross, salutes those who are proud to be positive role models for at-risk girls of color, among other achievements.

"I am one of those women, so they're gonna call on me," Blige said. "Black Girls Rock! reached out to my people and asked that I be involved — I guess because of the foundation I created called FFawn [Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now].

"FFAWN is about empowering women — to educate them, encourage them," she continued. "Get your confidence and self-esteem up. I'm a firm believer that if you save any woman, you save the world, because women are the nurturers. We're the reason why things grow and are born. Why wouldn't you call me? My whole movement has been ... about 'OK, all right, I need some help out here.' But I had no idea everyone else needed help more than I did. That was my movement. That began my movement."

Blige's crusade to help out her sisters dates back to when she was a youngster.

"When I was a child, I never seen any women ever treated well: black, white, hispanic," she explained.

"I'm definitely gonna talk about a lot of what I'm telling about now," she said of her speech at the ceremony. "I always have to go into my childhood to explain to people why this is so important to me. It's really important because of what I grew up in. I never seen a black woman treated well, not ever. My grandparents, when I was a kid, I saw them [treated well], but they're old — we just know what we see when they're old. But as far as women in their 30s — when I'm a child and seeing my parents and my aunts, not one woman treated well, ever. My whole thing when I was a kid was to not see another woman suffer when I get older. [At the show] I'm going into detail and going in detail. Why? Why 'Black Girls Rock'? Black girls rock because we have it the hardest. We have it the hardest because our testimonies are stronger probably than anybody on the earth."

• Queen Latifah
• Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

Janet Jackson has inspired a slew of singers in her career with her dance moves, seductive songs and turns at acting on the big screen.

Now, in the wake of her brother Michael's passing, it's Janet's personal strength that is touching her peers.

She's scheduled to open the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards by paying tribute to Michael Jackson, her first performance since the late King of Pop died in June.

"Private stuff like that, the things you go through when you lose someone close to you, it's just so hard for you to process it for yourself and to do it publicly," Santigold told MTV News when asked about Janet. "Even people who talk at funerals, I respect that so much. Because it's such an internal struggle that you deal with: to be able to get up and share with others your emotions."

The musician said Janet's performance is important because of the magnitude of her brother's stardom. Fans across the world are still dealing with the unexpected death of MJ. But Janet leading the way will continue the healing process for many, she said.

"For Michael Jackson it's very special, because I think everybody needs that," she explained. "Because everyone wants to share that loss together and experience it. And I think that's really amazing that [Janet] is able to do that."

Mary J. Blige was initially announced as a headliner in the tribute to the Gloved One that Jermaine Jackson was organizing in Vienna. But she had to back out because of another commitment before the tribute was postponed until next year. Blige said she was honored to be asked and, like everyone else, she's rooting for Janet on Sunday night.

"I'm hoping Janet shuts the whole place down," she said.

A trailer from the forthcoming "This Is It" film, culled from recordings of Michael's final concert rehearsals earlier this year, will premiere during the VMAs on Sunday night.

Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, live at 9 p.m. Check out our interactive map of New York to see how the city is celebrating the VMAs all week long, and stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more.

• Janet Jackson
• Santigold
• Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

The list of famous New Yorkers could go on longer than Mayor Michael Bloomberg's term in office, but undoubtedly two of the most beloved natives are Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

The pair will take the stage on Sunday at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to perform Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind," a Frank Sinatra-like number that name-checks some of Gotham's notable neighborhoods and captures the city's essence, from attending Knicks games (courtside, if you're Jay-Z) to its famous residents.

Keys is featured on the track where she croons on the chorus, "Count on New York, these streets will make you feel brand new/ Big lights will inspire you."

The track is from Jay-Z's recently released Blueprint 3 album and the VMA performance will mark his first time performing the song live. Rehearsals at Radio City Music Hall have had frequent Jay-Z collaborator Swizz Beatz on hand.

The super-producer said the new Big Apple anthem reminds him of another Jay-Z collaboration, a classic from his debut that was more of an ode to Brooklyn — but bigger.

"That's like 'Can't Knock the Hustle' 2009, [but] featuring Alicia Keys," he told MTV News. "It's just like Jay and Mary [J. Blige] with the chemistry there, the love for music is there, the creativity is there — it works. It's not like putting two opposite people onstage and trying to make things happen, no. It's putting two greats on the stage and you know what happens. And that's the result of 'Empire State of Mind.' "

Jay-Z and Blige toured together last year and they paid homage to their roots by naming their joint trek the Heart of the City tour.

Blige has joined Jay-Z on more than one occasion to honor New York — she expects his performance with Keys will be just as big, calling the pairing "huge."

"I just hope it's as crazy as it sounds," she said. "I hope it's as big as it sounds. I hope it looks that big. I believe it will be — she's incredible. And he's Jay, you know? Let's see."

Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, airing live at 9 p.m. New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long, so stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more.

• The 2009 VMAs Are Taking Over NYC!

• Mary J. Blige
• Alicia Keys
• Jay-Z
• Swizz Beatz

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

Mary J. Blige confirmed on Thursday (September 10) that she will not be participating in Jermaine Jackson's overseas tribute to Michael Jackson.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul said she was crushed she couldn't participate; however, a contractual obligation in Milan will prevent her from making the trip to Austria, where the tribute show is scheduled to take place. Chris Brown and Akon are also slated to appear, although Brown has yet to confirm. Jermaine Jackson, Natalie Cole and Sister Sledge will perform, it was previously announced.

"There's a lot going on at the time — I'm really, really sorry that I'm not gonna be able to be there," Blige told MTV News. " 'Cause why wouldn't I want to do a tribute to Michael Jackson?"

The singer said MJ's music meant so much to her growing up, saying the Gloved One was the reason she pursued a musical career. She even recalled one of the first times she saw his "Thriller" video.

"When we didn't have anything and we were in our neighborhood, we were running home cutting school to watch the 'Thriller' video on MTV," she said. "He broke barriers that day and every day since then."

Blige said she's looking forward to Janet Jackson's tribute to her late brother this Sunday at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. There are a number of songs Janet could perform, but any selection will do for Blige — she's rooting for Jackson.

"I'm hoping Janet shuts the whole place down," she said.

Watch the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Preshow this Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the big event, airing live at 9 p.m. New York is celebrating the VMAs all week long, so stay tuned for party coverage, concert reports, behind-the-scenes updates and more.

• Mary J. Blige
• Michael Jackson

Mary J. Blige
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

The lineup for the all-star Michael Jackson tribute concert slated for September 26 in Vienna, Austria, has gotten a bit less glittery. Just a day after Jermaine Jackson announced the initial list of performers for the event he is coordinating to honor his late brother, representatives for two of the biggest contemporary names on the roster, Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown, have denied that the artists will be involved in the event.

A few hours after Jackson announced the performers on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Brown told MTV News that the singer never committed to performing at the show. According to The Associated Press, the concert's promoter said a Los Angeles judge was scheduled to rule on Wednesday over whether Brown, 20, could travel to the show. Brown was recently sentenced to five years of probation and 180 days of community labor after pleading guilty to a felony charge of assault for beating his then-girlfriend Rihanna in February. He would need permission to leave the country for the gig.

A court spokesperson told the AP that no motion had been filed with the judge handling Brown's case requesting permission to travel overseas for the show, and an unnamed person with knowledge of the singer's situation said no such request would be filed on his behalf.

"Chris Brown is working out some situations, but he definitely expressed to us that he wants to be here, and it's just up to what he's going through with his court case right now, but he's definitely going to work that out and be here," Jermaine Jackson said at a press conference in London on Wednesday.

While the official Web site for the event still lists Brown and Blige on a roster that also includes Akon, Natalie Cole, 1970s disco icons Sister Sledge, Germany-based boy band US5 and actress Angela Bassett, a publicist for Blige has also denied that she will be taking part in the show. Though MTV News could not reach Blige's spokespeople for comment, an unnamed publicist told the AP that the singer has other commitments at a Gucci-sponsored concert in Milan, Italy, that day and will not be able to attend.

Further muddying the waters, a spokesperson for Cole told the AP that the singer has been in discussions with organizers, but that she may have a conflict and is not 100 percent confirmed. Reuters reported that during Wednesday's press conference Jackson said that while Blige did have a previous obligation, she was planning to fly in after her Milan performance and sing during the second half of the Jackson tribute. He also said that Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly and Maroon 5 would likely perform at the show, alongside a number of unnamed acts from India and the Middle East.

• Michael Jackson's Life & Legacy
• Michael Jackson: The Memorial

• Family & Friends Say Goodbye To Michael Jackson
• Michael Jackson's Greatest MTV Moments
• Michael Jackson: A Fashion Icon

• Michael Jackson
• Mary J. Blige
• Chris Brown

Michael Jackson

Mary J. Blige and Akon are among the first group of artists announced for the September 26 Michael Jackson tribute concert in Vienna being put together by the late pop singer's brother Jermaine Jackson. While Chris Brown was originally announced as a performer, his participation has not been confirmed, his rep told MTV News on Tuesday (September 8).

Organizers also announced that veteran acts Natalie Cole and Sister Sledge will perform outside the 17th-century palace of Schönbrunn in the Austrian capital, with more names slated to be announced later this week at press conferences in London on Wednesday and Berlin on Thursday.

The first group of performers also includes boy band US 5, protégés of imprisoned boy-band impresario Lou Pearlman, and actress Angela Bassett, who portrayed family matriarch Katherine Jackson in the TV-movie "The Jacksons: An American Dream." According to organizers, Bassett will "impersonate one part of Michael Jackson's life." A total of 20-25 acts are expected to take part in the concert, which will be televised around the globe.

The performers will be backed by Jackson's touring band, with whom he'd rehearsed for weeks before his untimely death on June 25 at the age of 50. The dancers for his planned This Is It concerts in London will also be on the bill.

Jermaine will sing a virtual duet with his late brother that he promises will be a "magic moment for all who loved his music." Among the songs that will performed by various artists at the event are "Man in the Mirror," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Black or White," "Earth Song," "Smooth Criminal," "Bad," "Dirty Diana," "Will You Be There," "You Are Not Alone," "Remember the Time," "Heal the World," "The Girl Is Mine" and "Scream."

The palace's grounds can accommodate more than 65,000 fans, who will watch the proceedings along with Jackson's family and children. The 165-foot-wide stage will feature massive LED walls that can slide together and apart and a runway that allows performers to walk through the audience.

[This story was originally published at 9:14 a.m. ET on 09.08.2009]

• Michael Jackson's Life & Legacy
• Michael Jackson In His Own Words: The Music Videos

• Family & Friends Say Goodbye To Michael Jackson

• Michael Jackson
• Mary J. Blige
• Akon

Mary J. Blige
Photo: Rick Diamond/ Getty Images

Former Black Moon frontman Buckshot said getting Mary J. Blige on his new single wasn't about money — it was about friendship. Buck and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul go back to the '90s, when Buck's artists and Boot Camp Clik members Smif-N-Wessun rapped on the remix to MJB's "I Love You." The two have been cool ever since.

"One of the last times I saw her before this song was in front of Sony studios," Buck remembered. "Me and Mary played a game of basketball right in front of Sony studios. You know how you would be in front of your building and you would use the wall as a hoop? So me and Mary was literally on the sidewalk just playing ball, bugging out. Mary, she really is Mary J. Blige. She's 'hood, she's elegant, she's real."

Buck also developed a great relationship with Blige's husband/manger Kendu over the years, so when he and KRS-One were coming up with the first single from their dual LP Survival Skills, they decided to call on old friends.

"The song is called 'The Way I Live,' " Buck said. "In the chorus, Mary says, 'I'm in the grind every day and that's the way I live.' When she started to sing that chorus, it's like, OK, [the song] became that much brighter. KRS-One said in the song, 'When you lose your job, you find your work.' A job is a job, when you lose it, you feel your work and your worth. The song is about being on the grind, but not accepting the grind — changing the grind.

"Everybody's got a song: 'I'm out there hustling, putting in work,' " Buck added. "But everybody does the same thing. What make this song different ... we're not talking about trapping and hustling. We say we go to the depths of who we are to find our true hustle. And that's why I love Mary J. When she started to go in on the end of the song, she has a name we call her: MC Brook. So we was like, 'Brook is about to go in.' She loves rhyming. Mary loves to flow and she's nasty. That's basically what the song is about — reaching within the depths of yourself to find a grind you created."

Survival Skills is due in stores September 15. Buck says he and KRS have known each other for over 15 years and decided to make an album together for the love of the sport.

"Kris has got this hunger that's impeccable," Buck said. "He's like a 16-year-old kid. You gotta be there to watch somebody who really loves to construct, build a house. You get to see the bedroom, the bathroom — you get a whole love for it because you see it constructed right before your eyes."

• Mary J. Blige
• KRS-One

Eminem
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

It's the label that brought acts like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Slick Rick, Jay-Z and Ludacris to the world, and now, 25 years after it launched in a New York University dorm room, Def Jam Records continues to lead the way, boasting a roster that includes the likes of Kanye West and Rihanna.

And on October 13, a host of elite artists — including Eminem, Rick Ross, Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy, Ludacris and Fabolous — will celebrate Def Jam's 25th anniversary with performances at VH1's "Hip Hop Honors 2009" show. But they're not the only ones lining up to pay their respects. DMX, Method Man and Redman, the Roots, Kid Rock, Trey Songz, Ja Rule, Onyx, Warren G and Public Enemy are also scheduled to perform at the sixth-annual Honors, which will be taped at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Howard Gilman Opera House and premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT on October 13 on VH1. "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan will once again serve as host for the evening. Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon and Brett Ratner will be on hand as presenters.

Fans can go to HipHop.VH1.com now to comment on this year's lineup and to weigh in on what they'd like to hear at the show. Additionally, on Monday, September 14, VH1 will launch the full show site at HipHop.VH1.com with artist profiles, exclusive online programming, show information and more. Additional VH1.com and VH1 Mobile efforts for "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors" will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Eminem
• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• Mary J. Blige
• Young Jeezy
• Ludacris

Mary J. Blige
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

In the wake of Paula Abdul's departure from "American Idol" earlier this month, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham and Katy Perry announced they'd sit at the judges' table alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi during auditions. Now, the latest star to wear the judge hat this season will be Mary J. Blige.

People.com reported on Friday (August 14) that the Grammy-winning R&B singer will be a guest judge when the crew heads to Atlanta.

Beckham's last day at the table was Friday, when she heard Boston's "Idol" hopefuls. Sources told People.com that the former Spice Girl fit in just fine with the other judges.

"The judges and production team have been having a lot of fun with Victoria," a show source says. "She's had a great response so far, and has been really warm with the contestants."

When Beckham spoke to Ryan Seacrest last week before starting the gig, she said that she wanted to be nice to the contestants, but still maintain a critical eye. "I want to be nice to people. I know how it feels to stand there and be judged, and how it can feel when nerves get the better of you. I don't want to shatter anybody's dream," she said. "But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with constructive criticism."

The permanent solution for filling Abdul's empty chair has yet to be announced. Earlier this month, Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment at Fox, told Reuters that they'll be coming up with a replacement "between now and January ... Obviously, there is going to be a different dynamic, [and] there is something exciting about that."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Mary J. Blige

Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige, More Celebrate Fashion In New York

• Gwen Stefani
• Bon Jovi
• R.E.M.
• Mary J. Blige

Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, More At The 6th Annual Black Ball

• Usher
• Mary J. Blige

'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' 2009

• Eminem
• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• DMX
• Public Enemy
• Foxy Brown

Are These The "American Idol" Season Nine Guest Judges?

• Jonas Brothers
• Jessica Simpson
• Shania Twain
• Mary J. Blige
• Katy Perry

Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige And More Come Out For Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash 2009

• Lil Wayne
• Trey Songz
• Plies
• Shawty Lo
• Pleasure P

Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, T-Pain, More At Hot 97's Summer Jam 2009

• Maino
• Movado
• Jim Jones
• Jadakiss
• Young Jeezy

Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Will.I.Am, More Headline The Neighborhood Ball

• Mariah Carey
• Beyoncé
• Will.I.Am
• Mary J. Blige

2009 Inauguration Week Events Celebrating Barack Obama

• Diddy
• Mary J. Blige
• Queen Latifah
• Wyclef Jean
• Ne-Yo

Jay-Z's 'Concert On The Eve Of Change'

• Jay-Z
• Memphis Bleek
• Mary J. Blige

VMA: Rap Royalty

• Jay-Z
• Kanye West
• 50 Cent
• Snoop Dogg
• Eve