Winehouse tribute to highlight VMA awards (AP)

Amy Winehouse never appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards during her short but celebrated career. Still, Sunday's show will take a break from its planned circus atmosphere to pay tribute to the British singer, who died a month ago after years of substance abuse.

Tony Bennett will lead the tribute to Winehouse; her last known recording was with the 85-year-old crooner on his upcoming "Duets II" album. There is also word swirling that Winehouse's parents might show, but MTV officials could not confirm their appearance.

The tribute to Winehouse will likely be the rare moment of reverence in a show that is calculated to be as irreverent as possible. This year, the current queen of sexy daffiness, Katy Perry, is poised to be the belle of MTV's annual ball: She's up for a leading 10 moonman trophies, including video of the year for her inspirational "Firework."

Another female singer is also a top nominee: Adele, the year's best-selling artist so far with her album "21," is nominated for seven awards for "Rolling in the Deep"; Kanye West also has seven nominations.

West — always good for a colorful MTV moment (ask Taylor Swift) — is not expected to perform at the awards, which are being held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, broadcast live on MTV from 9-11 p.m. But there are plenty of other headline-generating performers, including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Pitbull and Chris Brown, whose star continues to brighten two years after it was tarnished by his attack on Rihanna.

And then there was the headline-generating Irene, the hurricane-tuned-tropical storm that was pummeling her way up the Eastern seaboard on Sunday. MTV President Stephen Friedman said some VMA performers from the East Coast arrived in LA early to avoid the storm and resulting airport disruptions. But he was hopeful viewer disruption would be minimal.

"Our hope is our audience is cuddled up with their family and friends and don't want to be outside and want to watch the best night in music," he said.

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Online:

http://www.mtv.com

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Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP's music editor. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi

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AP Writer Mesfin Fekadu (http://www.twitter.com/musicmesfin) contributed to this report.

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Cindy McCain in Congo to highlight violence (AP)

NAIROBI, Kenya – Cindy McCain is teaming up with actor Ben Affleck to try to bring more attention to violence against women in Congo, as well as that country's upcoming presidential election.

McCain, the wife of Sen. John McCain, wrapped up a five-day trip to Congo and East Africa early Thursday. During her visit she met with community organizations that help women deal with sexual violence, which is rampant in the large central African nation.

She also investigated whether the International Republican Institute, which her husband chairs, should get involved with November's election.

"When you talk about sexual violence against women in a country that's fledgling and trying to hold elections, it can affect elections," McCain told The Associated Press. "If the election becomes violent, women can be targeted."

McCain said a stable Africa helps the U.S.

"It's one less front we have to worry about and plus it's the right thing to do," she said.

McCain, who first carried out medical aid work in Congo in 1994, is a part of Affleck's Eastern Congo Initiative, which aids grass-roots groups in Congo. The two will travel to Congo in November for the election.

"I'm thrilled to be working with him, number one, and I've learned a great deal with him because he's a guy that gets the issues," McCain said of her partnership with the Hollywood star. "I enjoy being around him. We don't talk politics. We talk about African politics. And we both talk about our family. It's a very normal friendship."

(This version CORRECTS day of week.)

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