The following is a letter to Grant Vandenberg that was forwarded to Russell. It is reprinted with permission of Russell ( "I'm ok with you printing that letter.By the by,it wasn't solicited,it arrived unannounced ,to grant van den berg,and he sent it on to me")

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Hey Grant,

Reading Sydney Con in the Telegraph last week, I absolutely disgusted with the fact that it was quoted Russe[l]l Crowe was only invited to perform at the AVMAs on the proviso that he presented an award. Obviously having him present an award was amazing for us, especially such a prestigious award - But it was about the performance!!

The truth of the matter is I was driving to work and heard Russell’s Crowe’s song Testify on the Kyle and Jackie O show. I loved the song and called Kyle immediately to get Russe[l]’s details in order to invite him to perform with his band on the award show.

Russel[l] was invited to the awards show purely on musical merits.

The feedback from the audience in the auditorium and those who watched the show has been absolutely fantastic. Everybody loved the performance. Hence why I have  invited the band to perform at the Movie Awards in Singapore on October 7 (as discussed).

Lets chat soon.

India

India Bent
Vice President Marketing, Communications & Event Management & Talent - MTV au

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Here is the Confidential bit Ms Dent was referring to, thanks to Maria:

It was his performance at the latter a fortnight ago that he thought he had sealed the deal with Sony, telling radio program The Kyle & Jackie O Show this week that he was told "all you've got to do is play that song at the MTV Awards tonight, and rock that, and you're home and hosed".

But insiders told Confidential Crowe was only offered a slot on the MTV bill because organisers wanted him to present the MTV Free Your Mind Humanitarian Award to Peter Garrett.