Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber dominated the 2012 MTV European Music Awards, winning three trophies each, while favourite Rihanna – who had gone into the EMAs with six nominations – failed to win a single trophy.
Swift picked up three awards at the ceremony in Frankfurt, winning Best Female Act, Best Live Act and Best Look.
“This is my very first EMA, I’m so excited. This is unreal,” Swift said after her first win, for best female act. “This is the first time touring in Europe. Thank you for giving us another reason to come back.”
After winning her third, Swift said: “I am so excited I can’t believe you gave me three awards. I’m kind of insecure in general – so this is great for my self-confidence.”
Justin Bieber continued his reign over the pop world with wins in the Best Female Act, Best Pop Act and Best World Stage Act categories.
The winners in full
Best Song – Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
Best New Act – One Direction
Best Female Act – Taylor Swift
Best Male Act – Justin Bieber
Best Pop Act – Justin Bieber
Best Live Act – Taylor Swift
Best Hip Hop – Nicki Minaj
Best Rock Act – Linkin Park
Best Electronic Act – David Guetta
Best Alternative Act – Lana Del Rey
Best Video – Gangnam Style (Psy)
Best Look – Taylor Swift
Biggest Fans – One Direction
Best Worldwide Act – Han Geng
Best World Stage – Justin Bieber
Best Push – Carly Rae Jepson
Global Icon – Whitney Houston