By: Gil Kaufman, MTV.com

With Lady Gaga slated to open the show and performances on tap from Lil Wayne and Adele, among others, the 2011 Video Music Awards are already mega. But things will heat up even before those stars take the stage thanks to Selena Gomez, who has been tapped to kick off the night’s festivities as the celebrity host on the pre-show black carpet.

The platinum recording artist and Emmy Award-winning actress will anchor the pre-show on Sunday, August 28, starting at 8 p.m. (live Eastern Time/ tape-delayed Pacific Time), reporting on breaking news and interviewing her peers alongside MTV’s team of correspondents, including Sway Calloway, Jim Cantiello and James Montgomery.

“I am very excited to be a part of the 2011 VMAs! After all of my years watching the VMAs, the pre-show has always been one of my favorite parts. It is a true honor to be hosting from the black carpet this year,” Gomez said in a statement.

Gomez will get some help from Cobra Starship, who will perform their dance hit “You Make Me Feel,” featuring Sabi, live during the VMA Pre-Show, which will also include an exclusive new teaser of “Jersey Shore.”

“We are so excited to be a part of the 2011 VMAs! I grew up watching them every year and it was an honor to be nominated two years ago and it is an even bigger honor to be able to play the pre-show this year,” said Cobra Starship guitarist Ryland Blackinton. “I will never forget when Pat Smear left the Foo Fighters live during the pre-show, and I’m planning on having him replace me this year.”

As previously announced, Adele and Wayne will take the stage in addition to Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Young the Giant. Confirmed presenters include Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Gomez, Kim Kardashian and Odd Future. MTV will announce additional performers and presenters in the coming days.

The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Much Music.

Photo: Toby Canham/Getty Images