It started as an internet gag but last night the phenomenon of ‘Rickrolling’ led to eighties chart star and one-time studio tea boy Rick Astley being named the Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards last night.
His unlikely success was almost the only crumb of comfort for the UK with the event dominated by US performers. The only other winner was Sir Paul McCartney who was handed an honorary award as ‘Ultimate Legend’ at the event which took place in Liverpool.
Sir Paul was handed the award by Bono who told the crowd: "there is one person in this hall tonight whose work is immortal.”
The former Beatles star thanked his bandmates and family, 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!"
The MTV Europe Awards are usually a celebration of homegrown acts but nominees such as Duffy, Leona Lewis andColdplay were ignored. Instead there were double wins for 30 Seconds To Mars (the ‘rock out’ title and best video star) and Britney Spears (best album for Blackout; act of 2008).
Performers at the show - hosted by Katy Perry - included Pink whose So What single was named ‘most addictive track’ and who ended her slot with a mass pillow fight.
Rick Astley did not attend the event at Liverpool’s Echo Arena – just a few miles from his hometown Newton-Le-Willows – nor did he record an acceptance speech. He received a flood of votes after getting a new lease of cult appeal following the rise of 'rickrolling' in which millions of internet users were duped into clicking internet links which led to video streams of Astley's hit number one hit Never Gonna Give You Up.
Winners:
:: Most Addictive Track – Pink: So What
:: Headliner (live performance) - Tokio Hotel
:: Rock Out - 30 Seconds to Mars (pictured)
:: 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
Here's Katy Perry, as subtle and understated as ever, performing I Kissed A Girl at the show, astride a giant lipstick.
4:13 AM | 07/11/2008
More Photos Of:
Latest News
-
Massive Attack week on Qthemusic.com
Remixes, images, competitions and an interview with the band this week
-
Win a Sony Blu-Ray player
We've got three to give away... fancy watching your music DVDs in high definition?
-
In full: Pixie Lott Q gig
Pixie mixes originals and covers in an exclusive intimate Q The Music Club performance
-
Editors: Choose their Spotify playlist
Russel Leetch from Editors chose some of their influences and favourite bands for Q
-
Interview: I Blame Coco
"I like to think that it's my music that got me here and nothing else". Exclusive interview
-
Muse on for Glastonbury, Stevie Wonder tbc
Michael Eavis confirms Muse addition, Stevie Wonder is "probable" for Sunday
Advertisement
User Comments
Post A Comment
Post A Comment