MTV News: By Chris Harris

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards are almost here, but big names are still being added to the talent pool of performers and presenters every day. Following Wednesday’s big announcement that Britney Spears will be opening the show comes word that Kanye West will close out the VMAs on Sunday, despite last year’s oath that he’d never return.

In a press conference Thursday (September 4th), comedian and VMA host Russell Brand also revealed that Christina Aguilera will return this year to perform a special rendition of one of her first singles, “Genie in a Bottle,” in a nod to the big show’s 25th anniversary.

Brand also teased what the first 30 minutes of the show would offer: Rihanna will sing; the winners for Best Female and Best Male Videos and Best New Artist will be named; Pete Wentz, Heidi Montag, and Spencer Pratt will appear together; Taylor Swift will introduce the Jonas Brothers‘ set; and Katy Perry will tackle Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” T.I. and Rihanna will debut “Live Your Life,” which appears on his forthcoming album, Paper Trail.

This year’s VMAs will unfold at the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood, and will air live starting at 9:00 p.m. ET. The show will also feature live performances by Pink, Paramore, Lil Wayne and Kid Rock. DJ AM and Travis Barker will rock the party, mixing live drum beats to scratched records throughout the show. The duo will celebrate the past 25 years of music by collaborating with Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, and The Ting Tings on new and past hits.

On Thursday, MTV rolled out a long list of additional presenters who’ve been confirmed for this weekend’s VMAs. They include Jamie Foxx, Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford, a very pregnant Ashlee Simpson, John Legend, Kobe Bryant, Leona Lewis, Paris Hilton, Slash, Taylor Swift, Shia LaBeouf, and The Hills gang — Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, and Spencer Pratt. Previously announced VMA presenters include Michael Phelps, Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, Ciara, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and Christopher “McLovin” Mintz-Plasse.

MTV Video Music Awards: Sunday, September 7th

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