MTV Europe Music Awards in Belfast

• Entertainment
• 07 November 2011
• by Sophia Hélène Price

What is it about Lady Gaga that fascinates us?  Even if you don't love her voice or her song writing you can't fail to marvel at the way she dominates the stage in structured outfits that look more like the work of architects than fashion designers.   Winning four of the six awards for which she was nominated at the MTV Europe Awards in Belfast on 6th November, she continues her ascent taking home Best Female, Best Song, Best Video for Born This Way and Best Fans.   

Meanwhile Best Male and Pop Act went to 17 year old Justin Bieber who arrived in Northern Ireland for the ceremony hosted by his girlfriend, actress and singer Selena Gomez. Commenting on 'a lot of crap on the internet' in reference to allegations that he fathered a four-month old baby during a brief affair with a fan, he thanked the public for their continuing support.   

Despite awards going to Bruno Mars for Best Newcomer, Eminem and Linkin Park for Best Hip Hop and Rock respectively, it seems that female solo artists continue to dominate the music scene with few male soloists standing out.  Nominees included Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Adele, Jessie J, Beyonce, Katy Perry (Best Live Act) and a video tribute was played for the late Amy Winehouse who died earlier this year.  

The ceremony, estimated to have brought in at least ten million pounds, was closed by Queen's ageing rockers Brian May and Roger Taylor but not before a male streaker had taken to the stage to jump up and down in front of thousands of viewers and exchange a few words with Heroes star Hayden Panettiere, who far from phased, invited him to join her for a pint afterwards (a staged stunt perhaps)?  Queen received Global Icon for a lifetime of achievements and Brian May expressed delight that after years of crippling violence, Belfast had at last found “true peace” enabling it to welcome international stars to its MTV Europe Awards which is hosted by different cities.  

Who would you vote for and who is your favourite male solo artist?