Robbie leads MTV line-up

Sick note: Robbie Williams heads the MTV line-up

Singer Robbie Williams is to defy doctor's orders to perform at the MTV Europe Music Awards, which has got under way in Stockholm.

Williams, who has five nominations including best song and best video, was told to rest earlier this week after being diagnosed with gastroenteritis and exhaustion.

The 26-year-old is due to appear with Kylie Minogue to perform their recent hit Kids.

But early on in the show he was disappointed, as he lost the best male performer prize to Ricky Martin, and the best UK & Ireland act prize to Westlife.

Williams will be hoping for a peaceful evening at the very least - he made an early exit from the Q awards in London last month after being taunted by Oasis singer Liam Gallagher.

MTV favourite: Eminem has three nominations

Other performers due to appear at the massive show include the Spice Girls, U2, and Madonna, while Jennifer Lopez will perform her new song Love Don't Cost A Thing for the first time.

She picked up the prize for best R 'n' B performer.

The show, hosted by Wyclef Jean, is expected to attract a TV audience of up to a billion people.

Also in with a chance of success is DJ-turned-pop star Sonique, who has four nominations, including best new act.

It marks an incredible 12 months for the singer, which has included a UK number one for her song It Feels So Good.

There are 21 categories - inlcuding eight aimed at different European regions - and most awards are voted for by MTV viewers.

More than 2 million people took part in the voting last year.

Spice Girl Melanie C, Jon Bon Jovi, rapper Eminem, Britney Spears, and Travis are each in the running for three awards.

At the American MTV video awards in New York earlier this year, Eminem won two awards - best video and best male video - for his track The Real Slim Shady.

Click here to read the list of nominations