MTV Networks Australia today announced UK rap icon, Dizzee Rascal as the latest performer set to blow the roof off at the MTV Australia Awards 2008. In what will be a whirlwind 48 hours for the rapper, Dizzee will touch down in Australia after being the star performer on the MTV NZ Mile High Gig. Rockin’ the skies at 37,000 feet, the gig of a lifetime will leave Auckland for Sydney on Friday April 25 and will see Dizzee perform alongside New Zealand’s hottest performer, Scribe. The award show’s list of celebrity presenters will now also include fellow, New Zealand Mile High Gig performer Scribe.

The MTV Australia Awards 2008 will broadcast on MTV Saturday April 26 from 7:30pm with an encore screenings on FOX8 Sunday April 27 from 6pm and Saturday May 3 from 7:30pm.

MTV Networks Australia Executive Producer Ean Thorley said: “Our star studded line-up of guests, performers and presenters is hotting up by the minute, with a list that already includes Wyclef Jean, 50 Cent, Juliette Lewis, Eve, The Vines, Lyndsey Rodrigues, Kisschasy and The Potbelleez. Our latest additions to the crew: Dizzee Rascal, and Scribe will ensure this show has the (star) power to keep the city charged all night.”

After winning a Sidewinder Award for 'Best Newcomer MC' in 2002, Dizzee Rascal’s debut album, Boy in Da Corner was released to critical acclaim in August 2003, in that same year he had the honour of being the first rapper to ever be awarded the Mercury Prize. In 2004, Dizzee won The NME award for Innovation and his second album, ‘Showtime’, proved to the industry that he was there to stay. Upon its release in 2007 his third album, Maths + English earned him another Mercury Prize nomination, with the album’s success continuing to grow around the world. Dizzee will take to the stage at the MTV Australia Awards 2008 with the style and finesse of one of the industry’s greats.

The MTV Australia Awards 2008 will feature eight live musical performances and eleven awards presented across music, film, television, sport, viewer-generated content and topical pop-culture moments. Eight categories will be viewer-chosen with voting open from now until April 25, 2008. The remaining three categories – favourites in sports, film/tv actor and international music act will be selected by MTV Australia as a way of acknowledging those who have had a significant influence on the Australian MTV audience and are yet to be announced.

Viewers can have their say at the MTV Australia Awards 2008 by voting for their favourite nominations on line at www.mtv.com.au/awards. Viewers will also be eligible to win tickets to the show simply by having their say online or on mobile.