Black to host MTV awards

Jack Black is to host this year's MTV Music Video Awards, the station has announced.

The actor will introduce performances from Beyonce, The Killers and Justin Timberlake at the show, which takes place in New York on August 31.

Rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers and Colombian-born singer Shakira lead the nominations for this year's awards, with seven nods each. Other nominees include Christina Aguilera, James Blunt, Madonna and Kanye West.

MTV President Christina Norman promised Jack Black would bring the "perfect mix of comedy, rock, irreverence and star power" to the 2006 show.