The MTV Europe Music Awards were dominated by American acts with Britney Spears and 30 Seconds to Mars scooping two awards each.

Despite being hosted at the Echo Arena in Liverpool as part of the city's Capital of Culture celebrations, the UK was largely overlooked on the night.

The only two winners were Sir Paul McCartney with his specially created 'ultimate legend' award. Rick Astley was named the best act ever following an online voting rig - hilariously he wasn't at the ceremony to pick up his gong.

U2's Bono handed Macca his award and gave a lengthy introduction and beamed: “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."

McCartney said when picking up the gong "I don't know what to do after an introduction like that!" before thanking "my mates Ringo, George and John".

30 Seconds to Mars scooped the video star award for 'A Beautiful Life' and also the best rock act. Britney took home the act of 2008 gong and the album of the year for 'Blackout'.

Pink took the most addictive track award for 'So What', Kanye West was the ultimate urban act and Tokio Hotel the ultimate headliner.

The artists choice honour went to Lil Wayne and Turkey's Emre Aydin was named as Europe' s favourite act.

The Killers, Kid Rock, Beyonce, Kanye West, Estelle and Duffy all performed live on the night. Host Katy Perry opened proceedings with her number one smash 'I Kissed A Girl' before she went through an impressive 12 costume changes.

(by Scott Colothan)