MUMBAI: MTV Asia Pacific has announced that Kelly Clarkson and Wang Leehom will host the fifth annual MTV Asia Awards 2006 in Bangkok on 6 May. Clarkson was the winner of the first season of American Idol in the US.

Clarksons debut album Thankful was released in 2003, Her new album Breakaway has sold over 8.5 million copies worldwide. It spawned four number one singles Breakaway, Since U Been Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes and Because of You. Since U Been Gone brought her two Moon Men at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video and Best Pop Video. Earlier this year, she won two Grammy Awards.

Asian star Leehom conceptualises 'chinked-out' music. This combines traditional Chinese tunes with pop and hip-hop music to form a new style of music.

The MTV Asia Awards 2006 will be available to over 400 million households via 43 channels as well as through syndication worldwide. Updates on the MTV Asia Awards 2006 can be found at www.mtvasiaawards.com.

Fans can also access information on their mobile phones by keying in maawap.com to follow the latest news on the upcoming awards, vote for their favourite artists and stand to win tickets to attend the show live. The Wap site will also feature content related to the awards show such as wallpapers and screensavers that are available for downloads.

Sponsors for the MTV Asia Awards 2006 are Haier Electrical Appliances, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited with Siam Paragon, World Class Shopping Phenomenon. The local sponsors include IM3 and Gery Saluut Cokluut in Indonesia and 5425 in Korea. Official Hair Partner: Toni & Guy. The official make-up partner is M.A.C. The official hotel is Millennium Hilton in Bangkok.