Paul McCartney, Pink, Katy Perry, Kanye West @ the MTV VMAs
- 00:02:20
- ITN
Paul McCartney, Pink, Katy Perry, Kanye West @ the MTV VMAs
US stars dominated the 15th MTV Europe Music Awards with Britney Spears, Pink and Katy Perry picking up honours. Perry opened the star-studded ceremony dressed as an American footballer and riding atop a giant cherry chapstick as she performed her hit I Kissed A Girl. The first guest performance came from R&B superstar Beyonce, with If I were a Boy, but it was the newly elected US president who drew the biggest cheers. Jared Leto, of 30 Seconds to Mars, who won both the Rock Out and Video Star awards, had the crowd standing in honour of the President-elect. Amid rapturous cheers, he said: "Lets hear it for Barack Obama." Perry responded: "Maybe Europe will love us again now." Pink was the first award winner of the night landing the gong for Most Addictive Track for So What. The award was presented by the Sugababes, who joined in the American theme with Keisha, Mutya and Heidi taking to the stage each wearing red, white or blue. Kanye West, winner of the Ultimate Urban award, gave a barnstorming performance of Love Lockdown before being joined on stage by British hip hop singer Estelle, 28, for their international hit American Boy. Kelly Rowland presented the Artist Choice award to rapper Lil Wayne. Returning after a 15-year break, Take That mesmerised the audience with an exclusive first - an atmospheric performance of their new single Greatest Day. The most unexpected winner of the night was 80s pop star Rick Astley, who took the Best Act Ever award after a public vote. Astley was not available to attend the awards. In his absence it was picked up by Katy Perry and Perez Hilton who charmed the audience with a quick dance routine to his track Never Gonna Give You Up. The song has become an internet sensation due to "Rickrolling" whereby internet users click onto an enticing link which takes them to the 1987 video. In a statement Astley said: "I am honoured that my fans worked so hard to help me win Best Act Ever at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards. "This is the first time I have been nominated for the EMAs and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me."
ITN | November 7, 2008
