Last night the 2008 MTV European Music Awards were handed out in Liverpool, England to some very deserving folks … many of whom weren’t European at all. American music acts had a very good night at the MTV EMAs last night, including our dear Britney Spears who won two awards at the awards show — Best Act and one of the biggest prizes of the night, Best Album. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals and the show itself:
American pop artists dominated the MTV Europe Music Awards last night (Oct. 6) at Liverpool Echo Arena, and the performers and winners were also keen to bask in President-elect Barack Obama’s election victory. Britney Spears sent a video acceptance for her two awards: best album for “Blackout” (Jive/Sony BMG) and best act of 2008. Host Katy Perry, whose costumes included an Obama-print dress, won the new act gong. “I want a recount,” she said. “The host can’t win.” Perry also opened the show sitting astride a giant chapstick during a performance of “I Kissed a Girl.” Pink collected the first award of the night, taking most addictive track for “So What” (LaFace/Sony BMG). California rock act 30 Seconds To Mars won the rock out award and the video star award for “A Beautiful Lie” (Virgin). The awards were voted for online by fans across Europe. “This has been a really exciting week for us Americans,” said frontman Jared Leto, who got the crowd to chant “Congrats Barack.” There was also recognition for a Liverpool’s most famous musician, with Bono presenting the ultimate legend award to Sir Paul McCartney. “This is the man who invented my job,” said the U2 singer. Bono was also jeered when he said the Beatles would have been Irish, if the Irish potato famine hadn’t driven their ancestors to Britain. “I’ve got to thank my mates Ringo, George and John,” said McCartney. “Many years ago, four little boys born here in Liverpool — and we went on to do quite well.” McCartney also thanked people in the U.S. for “voting in Mr. Obama.” The Liverpool crowd gave a warm reception to U.K. acts who performed, including Take That, the Ting Tings and Duffy. U.K. urban artist Estelle joined Kanye West for their first major awards show collaboration on “American Boy,” featuring a ticker-tape finale with an image of Obama on the giant screen. Eighties pop act Rick Astley was the unlikely winner of the best act ever, following a viral Internet campaign that raised his profile in the past year. Other performers included the Killers, Kid Rock, Beyonce, Pink and local indie rock act the Wombats, who covered Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” Perry closed the show with a performance of “Hot N Cold.”
Um, Rick Astley? Seriously? Can I just say … FREAKIN’ AWESOME! I can’t even front, I was a huge Rick Astley fan back in the day. His debut album came out right around the time Kylie Minogue’s debut album was released here in the States and I was in love with them both. Obvs, Kylie ended up with the more stellar career but I’m very happy to see that Rick Astley can still inspire so much lurve from the World to win the Best Act of All Time award :) Congrats, Ricky!!
Because Britney was here in LA performing with Madonna on stage at Dodger Stadium last night, she was not able to be on hand in person to collect her awards in Liverpool last night … she did manage to offer a pre-taped thank you speech that was filmed on the set of her new music video for her song Circus. Here is a screencap of Britney’s acceptance speech:
After the jump, check out video of Britney’s pre-taped acceptance speech as well as Beyoncé’s live performance of If I Was A Boy … (more…)
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