MUMBAI: British comedian-actor Russell Brand will host the annual MTV Video Music Awards for second year in a row on 13 September in New York.

The flamboyant 34-year-old comedian, actor, radio and television presenter will return as the host of the awards that will air live from stages set up around New York, including Radio City Music Hall.

Last year, the British comic was criticized for a shtick he did on the Jonas Brothers' where he ridiculed them for the oaths of virginity undertaken by them. He also raised eyebrows by describing then U.S. President George W. Bush as a "retarded country fella....

We are thrilled that despite numerous death threats from Jonas Brothers' fans, Russell Brand has accepted our offer to put his life on the line and host the VMA's again this year,... MTV general manager Stephen Friedman told US Magazine.

There's gonna be huge performances all over New York City,... Brand said. On Brooklyn Bridge, there will be a performance. You know that spike on top of the Empire State Building? Someone is gonna perform on top of that. It is gonna be mind-blowing … get ready. I don't know if you're wearing a hat, but if you are, you should hold on to it....

MTV said this year's awards would include performances by U.S. country pop singer Taylor Swift and British rockers Muse. The nominees and other performers will be announced later.

Brand was forced to quit BBC radio last year after taking part in lewd prank calls to "Fawlty Towers" actor Andrew Sachs on one of the British broadcaster's radio shows.

Brand has already successfully branched out into the United States, including releasing his autobiography "My Booky Wook" and acting in Hollywood films including a role in the 2008 romantic comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."