The annual MTV Video Music Awards returns to the Radio City Music Hall in NYC, after paying a hasty visit to Miami last year. The 23rd awards show will take place tonight, and much like its predecessors, would probably contain some classic moments AND Kurt Loader, a classic on his own rights, covering the show. The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira earned 7 nominations each and are ruling the nominees list.

Hosted by the all-neurotic Jack Black, the show will feature special performances by Shakira, Ok Go, The Killers and The All American Rejects, among others, plus appearances by Paris Hilton, Borat, The JackAss crew, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Silverman and many more. On the red carpet at the pre-show you will find Fergie and My Chemical Romance.

This year’s treat according to MTV is once again aimed to all you reality-show freaks out there. MTV invites the viewers at home to watch the show on 2 screens – the usual TV screen (hopefully a 52 inch plasma, but a 21 inch oldie will be good enough too) and also on the computer. While the real deal will be broadcasted on TV, the cameras behind the scenes will transfer the entire sweaty junk straight to our personal computer. If you ever wanted to get inside Shakira’s dressing room, don’t miss out this rare and live opportunity.

The VMA website is very informative and packed with current interviews and videos, as well as tributes to the classic VMA moments of all times. Don’t miss out the special voting online game, starring our all-time favorite moon man: Your mission is to grab as many votes as you can for your favorite nominee. Climb the walls, jump around, fly in the air, surf the crowd and collect the votes as fast as you can. The whole nation is depending on you, moon man!

Another website you might want to check out is NYC’s official VMA weblog, covering the preparations for the show. Loaded with more pictures and even more videos, this weblog can also function as a tour guide for the confusion-stricken visitor to NYC, desperately seeking for a good meal before (or after) the show. Other than the usual info, you can also download VMA desktop wallpapers, buddy icons and a super cool VMA widget (”Vidget”), feeding your desktop with the latest news and updates before, during and after the show.

Tune in tonight, 8PM ET/PT !

Chased by:TheMuse