Lady Gaga triumphs at EMAs

Lady Gaga stole the show at the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) last night.

The American songstress donned several eccentric outfits throughout the evening, as she picked up a number of prestigious awards, including best female act.

The star also won gongs for best song and best video for Born This Way.

Gaga thanked fans while accepting the coveted best act award, while poking fun at her choice of attire.

"Thank you so much, I love you so much. I'm so grateful. I'm really smiling right now, but I know you can't tell. I've had a lot of Botox," she joked, wearing a bizarre silver dress with an oversized hat that completely covered her face.

The star triumphed amongst a group of strong competitors to win the award - Jennifer Lopez, Adele, Katy Perry and Beyoncé were all in the running.

She later thanked her fan base she calls "little monsters" for their support when she picked up best song and video for Born This Way.

The 25-year-old credited the record as her most important.

Gaga also picked up a gong for having the best fan base.

Justin Bieber was also triumphant at the awards ceremony. The star – who is currently embroiled in a paternity lawsuit – put his personal problems aside to celebrate.

He picked up awards for best male act and best pop act respectively.

Both stars performed at the event at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Other awards went to Thirty Seconds to Mars, who picked up two prizes, including best alternative act and best world stage.

Bruno Mars was named best new act, while Katy Perry was voted best live act, beating Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Foo Fighters.

Eminem won best hip-hop artist - repeating his 2010 success.

Linkin Park scooped the best rock title.

More than 150 million MTV viewers voted to decide the majority of the category winners.

Coldplay opened the EMAs with Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall from their new album Mylo Xyloto.

LMFAO performed their popular hit Party Rock Anthem.

Justin showcased his new track Under the Mistletoe followed by crowd favourite Never Say Never, while Gaga performed Marry the Night from the top of a giant moon structure.

Meanwhile, Hayden Panettiere was upstaged by a naked man while presenting best song prize to Gaga.

The scripted appearance garnered a reaction that swept across Twitter, with users unsure as to whether it was a publicity stunt or not.

There was also a video tribute at the event to late British singer Amy Winehouse, who tragically died in July aged 27.

Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen accepted the Global Icon prize.

"We were there at the birth of MTV," May explained.

"How wonderful for us to be here 40 years later ... and here in Belfast which is finally showing its beauty and setting an example to the world by finding, out of grief and tragedy, the beginnings of truth and peace."

The event closed with a medley of Queen hits including The Show Must Go On and We Will Rock You.

Justin's girlfriend Selena Gomez hosted the bash in spectacular fashion. The 19-year-old star even presented one section wreathed in a ring of flames.

Selena impressively managed a number of costume changes.

Winners at the 2011 MTV European Music Awards:

Best Female: Lady Gaga

Best Male: Justin Bieber

Best Pop: Justin Bieber

Best Song: Lady Gaga, Born This Way

Best Rock: Linkin Park

Global Icon: Queen

Best Video: Lady Gaga, Born This Way

Biggest Fans: Lady Gaga

Best Alternative: Thirty Seconds To Mars

Best Hip Hop: Eminem

Best World Stage: Thirty Seconds To Mars

Best Push: Bruno Mars

Best New: Bruno Mars

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