6. Russell Brand
The English comedian created quite a stir when he hosted the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. Highlights included comparing Britney Spears to Jesus, calling then president Bush a “retarded cowboy”, and poking fun at boy band The Jonas Brothers’ wholesome image. His performance was enough to get him death threats, but it also gave his American fame a needed boost. Ratings were also higher, which led MTV to ask him back the next year increasing ratings yet again.