This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/7714498.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
MTV show kicks off in Liverpool Sir Paul accepts MTV legend award
(30 minutes later)
US singer Katy Perry has opened the MTV Europe Music Awards astride a huge cherry chapstick bearing her name. Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney was greeted by rapturous applause as he was named Ultimate Legend at the MTV Music Awards in his home town of Liverpool.
The prop was a nod to the lyrics of her hit single I Kissed A Girl, which she performed in an American football uniform - the first of 12 costumes. The star thanked his family and former bandmates in a short, self-deprecating speech after being presented with the one-off award by U2 frontman Bono.
Early awards went to Pink and Britney Spears, who accepted her best prize award in a recorded video message. Earlier, Britney Spears won two prizes - Act of 2008 and best album.
And Rick Astley was named Best Act Ever, after an internet campaign to orchestrate votes for the 80s star. Rick Astley was also named MTV viewers' Best Act Ever after an online campaign to orchestrate votes for the 80s star.
However, he declined to accept his award in person, leaving gossip blogger Perez Hilton to collect the prize on his behalf.However, he declined to accept his award in person, leaving gossip blogger Perez Hilton to collect the prize on his behalf.
AWARDS SO FAR Most Addictive TrackPink - So What Headliner (live performance)Tokio Hotel Rock Out30 Seconds to Mars Best AlbumBritney Spears - Blackout New ActKaty Perry Best Video Star30 Seconds To Mars Best Act EverRick Astley Ultimate UrbanKanye WestArtists' Choice Lil' WayneAct of 2008 Britney Spears Former Beatle and Liverpool native Sir Paul McCartney will later be honoured with the Ultimate Legend award. British acts Duffy and Coldplay went home empty-handed, despite being nominated in three categories.
The star will be bestowed with the specially-created title by U2 frontman Bono. 'Fevered'
Take That return The BBC's Ian Youngs said the two-hour show was "visually stunning" with stand-out performances from the Killers, Take That and Kanye West.
Pink accepted the Most Addictive Song trophy for the year's best single by paraphrasing a line from her winning song, So What. MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS 2008 Most Addictive TrackPink - So What Headliner (live performance)Tokio Hotel Rock Out30 Seconds to Mars (pictured) Best AlbumBritney Spears - Blackout New ActKaty Perry Best Video Star30 Seconds To Mars Best Act EverRick Astley Ultimate UrbanKanye WestArtists' Choice Lil' WayneAct of 2008 Britney SpearsUltimate Legend Sir Paul McCartneyEurope's Favourite Act Emre Aydin (Turkey) "The atmosphere was fevered, with thousands of fans going wild as some of pop's biggest names from the UK, US and beyond were wheeled out."
"I guess I should thank my husband, but I don't know where he went," she sang. There were multiple references to Barack Obama, with Kanye West and Estelle performing their hit American Boy with the US President-elect's face projected onto a giant screen behind them.
Beyonce then took to the stage in a silver-and-black dress to perform her new single, If I Were A Boy.
Former boyband Take That also returned to the event, 14 years after they appeared at the inaugural MTV Europe ceremony in Berlin.
They performed new single Greatest Day against a backdrop of LED striplights, accompanied by a chorus of screaming girls.
Ahead of the show, singer songwriter Gary Barlow said the band were excited to be playing in the European capital of culture.
Beyonce performing her new single If I Were A Boy In Pictures: MTV Awards arrivals "We're really looking forward to seeing the Liverpool audiences because this is where pop music began, I think," he added.
Las Vegas rockers The Killers also paid tribute to the host city.
"This is one of the great musical cities of all time and it's awesome to be here," said frontman Brandon Flowers.
"Everyone you see here - we wouldn't be here without the Beatles."
The singer added that he and his bandmates had taken a Beatles tour while staying in Liverpool.
"It's magical to go and see where they grew up," he said.
Another theme of the night is likely to be the US presidential election.
Kanye West and Estelle performed American Boy with Barack Obama's face projected onto a giant screen behind them.
Jared Leto, from 30 Seconds to Mars, also asked the crowd to stand in honour of the President-elect.Jared Leto, from 30 Seconds to Mars, also asked the crowd to stand in honour of the President-elect.
Amid rapturous cheers, he said: "Liverpool, lets hear it for Barack Obama."Amid rapturous cheers, he said: "Liverpool, lets hear it for Barack Obama."
Perry responded: "Maybe Europe will love us again now." Host Katy Perry remarked: "Maybe Europe will love us again now."
The US singer was a high-spirited presenter, and managed 12 costumes changes during the show.
She opened proceedings by straddling a gigantic cherry chapstick - a reference to the lyrics of her number one hit I Kissed A Girl.
The singer also picked up the best new act prize during the show.
Perry opened the show with her hit I Kissed A GirlOther award winners included Pink, who picked up most addictive track for the best single of the year.
She accepted the trophy by paraphrasing a line from the winning song, So What: "I guess I should thank my husband, but I don't know where he went."
US rock band 30 Seconds To Mars took home two prizes - Rock Out and Best Video Star.
Kerry Katona, who presented the latter award, was booed as she took to the stage.
Bono also received a few cat calls during his introduction to Sir Paul McCartney when he said: "If it wasn't for the potato famine, John, Paul, George and Ringo would have come from Dublin."
But this faux pas was forgotten as his speech continued.
"These MTV awards are great and glamorous occasions, but on behalf of all the artists in this room, I will tell you something: I think we all suspect someday when all of us are gone and this great hall is no longer here, we sense, we fear our names will be forgotten.
Beyonce performing her single, If I Were A Boy In Pictures: MTV Awards arrivals "There is one person in this hall tonight whose songs we know will be here now and forever.
"There is one person in this hall tonight whose work is immortal.
"There is only one Paul McCartney."
After picking up his award, Sir Paul said bashfully: "I don't know what to do after an introduction like that."
The star settled for thanking friends, family and "my mates Ringo, George and John".
"Many years ago, four little boys were born here in Liverpool and we went on to do quite well," he added.
"So thanks, as I say, to all my family, to all of you for coming along, everyone in Liverpool, everyone in Britain, everyone in America - for voting in Mr Obama. I love you!"