Leno prime-time show to open with Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye

Three of music's biggest artists are set to star on Jay Leno's debut prime-time show, in an apparent bid by NBC to draw hip, young viewers.

Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay-Z will perform Run This Town, from Jay-Z's new album, The Blueprint 3.

It will be Rihanna's first major public performance since she was assaulted in February by her then-boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.

The Jay Leno Show makes its debut at 10 p.m. on Sept. 14, a risky experiment for NBC as it plans to sacrifice a prime-time hour to the talk and comedy show five days a week. Leno previously had the late-night time slot.

Leno told reporters in Los Angeles  this week that his show would have more comedy and less chat in its new time.

Another feature will be a "green-car challenge," in which celebrities will race electric or hybrid cars. Tom Cruise is believed to be interested in participating, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Leno, a car enthusiast and collector, recently competed in a race on the BBC's Top Gear program.