Singer Nick Lachey poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, in New York. The singer hosted one of a score of parties held in advance of the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, which will be hosted by Jack Black, Aug. 31, at Radio City Music Hall.
MTV VJ Vanessa Minnillo arrives at a pre-MTV Video Music Awards party on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York. The party was hosted by her latest flame, singer Nick Lachey.
Actor and rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, in New York.
Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestler Hulk Hogan, poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York. It was one a score of parties held in New York this week. More are planned for after the Aug. 31 awards show.
Rapper Pharrell Williams poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York. Among those hosting post-awards parties are Beyonce and Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean and Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado.
Rapper Busta Rhymes arrives at the MTV 2006 Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall in the Grand Lounge on Aug. 30, 2006, in New York.
Rapper Lil Jon poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York. The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Jack Black, will be held there Thursday, Aug. 31.
Rapper Ice-T and his wife, CoCo, pose during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York.
Singer JoJo poses during the MTV Video Music Awards Forum at Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006 in New York.
Kickoff Concert
Rihanna performs at the VMA kickoff concert in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006 in New York. The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Jack Black, will be held Aug. 31 at Radio City Music Hall.
Rihanna performs at the MTV Video Music Awards kickoff concert in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006 in New York. The newcomer is nominated in two VMA categories -- Viewer's Choice and Best New Artist in a Video.
Jordan Pundik, front man of the band New Found Glory, gets up close at the kickoff concert for MTV's Video Music Awards in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006. Rihanna, Chamillionaire and Cartel also performed.
Chamillionaire, performs at the Video Music Awards kickoff concert in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006 in New York. The rapper is nominated for an MTV VMA for Best Rap Video. He is also featured in the top 10 hit "Get Up" with Ciara.
Chamillionaire, whose real name is Hakeem Seriki, throws cash in the crowd during his performance at the VMA kickoff concert in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 in New York. MTV's 2006 Video Music Awards take place in New York on Thursday.
Will Pugh, the front man of Cartel, performs at the VMA kickoff concert in Battery Park, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006 in New York.
Setting The Stage
A banner for the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards hangs above the marquee at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 28, 2006. The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Jack Black, will be held Thursday at the New York landmark.
Pyrotechnics are tested as dancers rehearse their performance for the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 28, 2006. The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Jack Black, will be held Aug. 31 at the famed New York theater.
Lead singer Tyson Ritter and The All American Rejects rehearse their performance for the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Aug. 28, 2006.
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges rehearses his performance for the MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 28, 2006.
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges rehearses for the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 28, 2006. The New York landmark will host the awards show on Thursday, Aug. 31.