US stars sweep MTV Europe awards

Shirley Genga

American acts dominated the MTV Europe music awards at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom, with female singers Britney Spears, Pink and Katy Perry picking up awards at an all-American themed ceremony.

The event was hosted by chart-topper Katy Perry and Perez Hilton. Perry opened the ceremony in flamboyant style by riding onstage atop a giant cherry chapstick dressed as an American footballer, before launching into a rendition of her hit I Kissed a Girl. The singer later held off competition from Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers to win Best New Act.

Other performers included Beyonce Knowles, The Killers, Kanye West, the Ting Tings Kid, Rock Duffy and Pink.

However, it was Barack Obama who received the loudest applause of the evening from the 10,000-strong crowd. Jared Leto, of 30 Seconds to Mars fame, who won both the Rock Out and Video Star awards, encouraged the crowd to stand and cheer in honour of his country’s new President-elect.

Perry responded: "Maybe Europe will love us again now."

Another mention of Obama’s success came from Kanye West and Estelle, who performed their hit American Boy with the US President-elect’s face projected onto a giant screen behind them.

German rockers Tokio Hotel were the surprise winners of the best Headliner category, beating metal gods Metallica and Linkin’ Park, while Kelly Rowland presented the Artiste Choice award to rapper Lil’ Wayne.

Reclusive singer

Britney Spears continued her triumphant comeback to the music scene — by taking home two of the biggest awards at this year’s MTV European Music Awards. The Toxic singer was honoured as the Act of 2008 and she also landed the gong for this year’s Best Album for Blackout.

And the biggest surprise of the night came when forgotten 1980s pop star Rick Astley was named Best Act Ever, beating superstars Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to bag the honour after an Internet prank, known as rickrolling, which featured his biggest hit Never Gonna Give You Up, increased his profile across the globe. The reclusive singer failed to turn up to collect the gong.

Rapper Lil’ Wayne beat Beyonce Knowles and Kanye West to claim the accolade for Ultimate Urban Artist.

U2 front man Bono also presented Sir Paul McCartney with the Ultimate Legend award — a one-off accolade to coincide with this year’s ceremony being held in his hometown.

MTV Europe Music Awards winners

Most Addictive Track— Pink — So What

Headliner — Tokio Hotel

Rock Out — 30 Seconds To Mars

Album — Britney Spears — Blackout

Best New Act - Katy Perry

Video Star - 30 Seconds To Mars - A Beautiful Lie

Best Act Ever — Rick Astley

Ultimate Urban — Kanye West

Artist’s Choice — Lil Wayne

Act of 2008 — Britney Spears