Nothing to sing about for home stars at awards

Published on Friday 19 November 2004 11:52

AFTER last year’s spectacular in Edinburgh, the MTV Europe Awards returned last night with a star-studded show in Rome.

But, although the awards were held in their name, European bands failed to make their mark.

Despite being voted for exclusively by European TV viewers, American stars snatched almost all the awards at the glittering ceremony.

British acts like Robbie Williams, Jamelia, Dido, The Streets and Franz Ferdinand had all been up for awards but walked away with nothing.

Only one British band, Muse, walked away with a main award, for Best Alternative Act.

Asked how he felt about the fact that American stars won 11 out of the 12 awards, Muse singer Matt Bellamy said: "There needs to be more European bands."

US band OutKast emerged as the big winners of the awards, with Best Song and Best Video for Hey Ya!

Usher took home Best Male and Best Album, for Confessions, and was presented with one award by supermodel Naomi Campbell who said she was "very proud" of her boyfriend.

Britney Spears won Best Female, beating Beyonce, although she was not at the event to collect her award.