Richie to host MTV Oz Awards

Hollywood party girl and reality TV star Nicole Richie will attend the third annual MTV Australia VideoMusic Awards later this month.

The daughter of Grammy and Academy Award winning performer Lionel Richie will accompany her Good Charlotte beau Joel Madden to the April 29 event in her first Australian visit.

The 25-year-old's star rose after filming her travelling adventures opposite hotel heiress Paris Hilton for reality program, The Simple Life in 2003.

Since then, Richie's personal life has been splashed across tabloid magazines around the world raising speculation on everything from her weight to who she's dating.

Richie also made headlines following the program's debut when she was arrested for heroin possession.

Richie joins a bevy of international talent including Black Eyed Peas frontwoman, Fergie, and Good Charlotte's identical twins Benji and Joel Madden who are hosting the awards ceremony.

The event has also drawn other high-profile guests including punk rocker Pink, Kristen Cavallari of US TV program Laguna Beach and 30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto.

Controversial US rapper Snoop Dogg, who pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges last week, will make the pilgrimage back to Australia following his appearance at the Good Vibrations festival in February.

Australian singer turned Hollywood star Sophie Monk and fiancee of Benji Madden will host a red carpet special with celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and multiple ARIA award winners Eskimo Joe, dance outfit TV Rock vs Dukes of Windsor and Sneaky Sounds System will perform on the night.

Leading the charge for MTV Australia gongs is Sexy Back singer Justin Timberlake, who dominates with six nominations, while America's punk/rock superstar Pink follows with five nominations.

Standout local artists Eskimo Joe and Wolfmother will go head-to-head for best group, while Adelaide hip-hop masters Hilltop Hoods sit alongside Eminem and Snoop Dogg in the best hip-hop video category.

Voting for the awards can be done via the Australian MTV website or by mobile phone SMS, lines closing on April 28.

Winners will be announced at the official MTV Australian Video Music Awards ceremony held at Sydney Olympic Park's Acer Arena.