MTV has big-name music - and news — for veterans

MTV's Choose or Lose campaign and CNN have partnered to broadcast a concert supporting veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

"A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE" will air at 8 tonight on MTV from a performance taped in New York the previous day. The show's name alludes to a petition MTV and several veterans organizations created called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (BRAVE).

The concert will feature performances by 50 Cent, Ludacris and Saving Abel, as well as taped performances by Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Angels and Airwaves, Nelly, Juanes and Taylor Swift. Making taped appearances will be Beyoncé, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and others.

News packages from CNN and MTV News will air throughout the special, which will be held in front of an audience of young veterans and their families.

"It doesn't matter where you stand on the war, we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they've earned for their sacrifices," said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks. "We aim to elevate these issues and ensure they're a top priority for our government officials."

Collaboration on the BRAVE petition came from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Veterans for America and Wounded Warrior Project.

The concert will also be broadcast online on www.vMTV.com.