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7 November 2011
Last updated at
01:08
Pictures from the MTV Europe Music Awards in Belfast
Lady Gaga was the big winner at the 18th MTV Europe Music Awards, taking home four trophies - including the two main prizes, best song and best video - both for her single Born This Way. She performed her latest song, Marry The Night, at the ceremony.
The US pop star stayed true to form, wearing a range of striking outfits, designed by the house of Paco Rabanne. "Every outfit was made entirely of paper," she told reporters, "and it was inspired by the idea of the paper moon because there was a moon on the stage tonight".
Speaking to reporters after the show, the 26-year-old said: "I'm really floored and completely overwhelmed," she said. "Every time I make a new record or start a new song, I start from the bottom up. I never anticipate that anything will come easily, so I am indebted to the fans."
Coldplay opened the show with their hit single Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall, performed in front of a grafittied stage - a motif for the band's latest album, Mylo Xyloto. "You've got to pretty good to get here," frontman Chris Martin told the BBC, "unless you're us, in which case you just pay money."
The ceremony was hosted by actress and singer Selena Gomez, who first came to attention in Disney show Wizards of Waverly Place. She managed at least eight costume changes during the two-hour show, and performed her song Hit The Lights.
Pop star Katy Perry, a previous host of the EMAs, presented rock legends Queen with the Icon award. "I remember trying to persuade our American record company that videos were the way of the future, way before MTV," said drummer Roger Taylor, "and they obviously were."
Surviving members Roger Taylor and Brian May then played a medley of Queen hits with guest vocals from Adam Lambert, a former American Idol contestant. "It's a whole new generation," said Taylor. "We're obviously the oldest people here by a thousand years"
UK pop star Jessie J walked the event's pink carpet in a floor-length leopard print dress by Dolce & Gabanna. She changed outfit backstage before performing her hit song Price Tag. "Everyone who's here deserves to be here," she told the BBC. "It's a celebration of music that a lot of people have worked really hard to create."
Teen star Justin Bieber scooped two awards - best pop star and best male. He only made a brief appearance in front of the press after a week in which a US woman claimed he had fathered her child. On stage, the 17-year-old said, "there's been a lot of crap talked about me lately, but I've pulled through".
R&B singer Bruno Mars also took home two awards - best new act and the "push" artist award, for an act who was promoted by MTV as an up-and-coming new star. On stage with his dapper backing band, the singer played his hit song Marry You.
Local heroes Snow Patrol played an outdoor show outside Belfast's City Hall as part of the ceremony. "Our best gigs are always in Belfast," said drummer Jonny Quinn. "We've always been loved at home, which is something we don't take for granted." Unfortunately, singer Gary Lightbody (pictured) dropped his microphone during the portion of the show that MTV used on air.
US dance act LMFAO got the audience on their feet for a rendition of their hit song Party Rock Anthem. Singer Redfoo (left, with the heart-shaped Lego pendant) is the son of Motown records founder Berry Gordy. Sky Blu (on his right) is his nephew.
Across town from the main event, the Red Hot Chili Peppers played a special show at Belfast's Ulster Hall. The awards show will be screened on MTV around the world this week.
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