As you may perhaps be aware, the MTV Europe Music Awards took place last night in Liverpool last night, hosted by Katy Perry.
The biggest winners on the night were Britney Spears, who took two awards, Act Of 2008 and the Album Of The Year award for 'Blackout', and the US band 30 Seconds To Mars, who got the Rock Out award and the Best Video Star awards.
As suggested in the headline, the lovely Rick Astley won the Best Act Ever award, but didn't turn up to collect it. I hope it's not because he's embarrassed or something. Come to think of it, Britney didn't turn up either, but sent a message via videotape. Astley's award was accepted on his behalf by gossip blog irritant Perez Hilton.
Paul McCartney, on the other hand, turned up to receive that previously reported special for-being-Paul-McCartney award. Responding to an obsequious introduction from Bono, who presented the gong, the former Beatle said "I don't know what to do after an introduction like that", then went on to thank "my mates Ringo, George and John" before adding "Many years ago, four little boys were born here in Liverpool and we went on to do quite well. 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!"
And it was, in fact, Mr Obama who received some of the biggest cheers of the night. 30 Seconds To Mars' Jared Leto at one point asked the crowd to stand in honour of the president elect, saying "Liverpool, let's hear it for Barack Obama", and provoking rapturous applause. Perry responded "Maybe Europe will love us again now". Maybe. Live performances on the night came from host Perry, who also won the New Act Award, as well as from Beyonce, Kanye West and Estelle, The Killers, Pink, Take That, The Ting Tings, Duffy and Kid Rock.
Here is a list of winners:
Most Addictive Track: Pink - So What
Headliner (Best Live Performance): Tokio Hotel
Rock Out: 30 Seconds to Mars
Best Album: Britney Spears - Blackout
New Act: Katy Perry
Best Video Star: 30 Seconds To Mars
Best Act Ever: Rick Astley
Ultimate Urban: Kanye West
Artists' Choice: Lil' Wayne
Act of 2008: Britney Spears
Ultimate Legend: Sir Paul McCartney
Europe's Favourite Act: Emre Aydin (Turkey)