Like millions of Canadian music fans, Perez Hilton is counting the days until the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards.

"This will be my third year in a row at the MMVAs. I've always had a great time. It's like a family reunion I get to go to every year, but only a lot better," says Hilton, who will be a presenter.

Rihanna, illScarlett, Hedley and Girlicious headline the top pop acts and presenters that will appear at the 19th annual award show on Sunday, June 15. The live telecast begins with the "Red Carpet Arrivals Special" at 8 p.m. ET, with the awards show following 9 p.m. The celebrity-spotting continues with the "MMVs AfterMath" at 11 p.m.

"In the scheme of things this awards show is a very big deal. Rihanna doesn't just show up anywhere," says Hilton. "I'm excited to see her. I'm glad to see Simple Plan be nominated because they are friends of mine and I was in one of their videos. There's no question that the MMVAs attract some very big talent."

The brash blogger's weekly appearances on "MuchOnDemand" also fuel his love for Canada's top music channel.

"MuchMusic were the first people to make me feel really welcome on television. They made me feel like family. I'm grateful for that," says the 30-year-old personality who rocked world of celebrity media coverage with his infamous blog, perezhilton.com.

Perez says 'I'm not just a celebrity'

Hilton's biting, down-and-dirty commentary about actors, musicians and celebs has garnered praise and criticism, particularly for his unapologetic outing of Hollywood's closeted homosexuals.

His tabloid tone and audacious diva digs have also been credited for stoking today's media mania over celebrity coverage.

Despite his meteoric rise to fame, however, Hilton does not consider himself a celebrity.

"To me the word celebrity has negative connotations. Like Nicole Richie who is famous for being famous," says Hilton.

Indeed, a busy, shrewd mind thrives behind Hilton's salacious zingers and eye-popping posts. He graduated from New York University in 2000 with a BA in drama. Hilton also worked a freelance writer for gay publications and did a short stint as a managing editor at "Instinct," a gay men's magazine.

"I work really, really hard and continue to do so every day because I've had such tangible results in such a short amount of time," says Hilton. "If people think it's surprising that I'm successful I don't. Where I am today inspires me. It's no surprise."

As Hilton says, "I may joke about people or what I'll wear to the MMVAs, which will be fabulous. But at the end of the day I never forget this is work and that it's time for me to keep working hard. I'm striking while the iron is hot."