Host Nicki Minaj collects best hip hop award. Photo: Danny Lawson/ PA WireBoy-band sensation One Direction were among the big winners that failed to turn up to collect their prizes at one of Europe’s top music events, after they scooped three MTV Europe Music Awards in Glasgow.
Justin Bieber and Katy Perry were among other notable no-shows, though the firework-filled ceremony was lit up by charismatic and popular rapper Nicki Minaj, who hosted, performed and won an award.
Fans in the arena were most vocal for the younger acts, however, even if some weren’t able to attend.
British pop group One Direction, known for their dedicated global fan base, won best pop, best live and biggest fans, scooping three of a possible four gongs. They apologised for being unable to collect their awards in person in video messages.
The ceremony, celebrating its 20th anniversary, was held in the 13,000-seat SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
Minaj was a popular host
In the absence of some more established acts, singer-songwriter Ariana Grande flourished, grabbing her first two MTV EMAs and opening the show.
The relative newcomer beat better-known acts such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Minaj to win best female, and her song Problem, featuring rapper Iggy Azalea, won best song ahead of Pharrell Williams’ triple-platinum hit Happy.
She flew across the audience in a space-themed opening performance, floating in a Perspex bubble through a mock-up solar system.
While she has not released an album since 2012, Minaj was a popular host, penning a rap in tribute to Scotland and even playing a hole of crazy golf in tribute to the national pastime.
With many winners unable to perform, Irish rock U2 veterans did a tender, piano-led version of the ballad Every Breaking Wave off the recent release Songs of Innocence.