Pops stars steal the show

Kylie Minogue scooped two awards

By the BBC's Michael Osborn in Manchester

Many a teenage music fan came away from the first Top of the Pops Awards show in Manchester with their dreams come true.

An impressive line-up of pop's current darlings wowed an excited young crowd with some of today's great big hits.

J-Lo's performance was "a stunner"

But the awards seemed a sideshow to the performances - which made the night go with an ear-splitting swing.

As far as the hyped-up audience were concerned, Irish fivesome Westlife had already swept the board. The arena's roof flew off when they came on stage.

When the heartthrobs sang their chart-topper Queen Of My Heart, a touch of hysteria consumed the arena.

Backed by a full choir and with glitter fluttering from the ceiling, it was hard to ignore their appeal.

The boys also trooped on stage to sing with Mariah Carey, who was unable to whip up the mad cheers they enjoyed.

Wheatus: The strangest performers of the night

Hitting those legendary high-notes and dressed to kill in a shimmering black gown, she appears to be back on form after her well-publicised summer of troubles.

Pop's hottest ladies, Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Lopez, brought style and slick performances to the very first Top of the Pop Awards, at the TV show's original Manchester home.

Double-winner Kylie accepted her awards with grace - even though the awards themselves appeared to resemble left-over Jim'll Fix It badges.

The tiny, perfectly turned-out Aussie sang her smash hit Can't Get You Out Of My Head, complete with robotic dancers wearing colourful motorcycle helmets.

J-LO... brought a touch of Flamenco flair to the murky Manchester night

Jennifer Lopez had reason enough to turn up at the awards - they created a category especially for her with the Artist on Top of the World prize

She got a rapturous reception from the crowd - and then took a little swipe at rumours of being a demanding artiste.

J-Lo was given star billing - and her performance was a stunner. She had the most elaborate stage set, complete with a water feature - and she brought a touch of Flamenco flair to the murky Manchester night.

Odd

Even some older rockers were received warmly by the crowds in the Manchester Arena - Tom Jones shimmied on stage to sing with former Fugee Wyclef Jean.

The oddest performance of the night went to Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag, with a flame-haired band member lobbing bananas and oranges into the crowd.

The glories of music past seemed lost on the very young crowd

Garage stars So Solid Crew virtually filled the stage with their posse - though their rendition of chart-topper 21 Seconds verged on the shambolic.

The night ended on a solemn note with a tribute to the late George Harrison.

Scottish stars Travis sang a gentle rendition of Harrison's song Here Comes The Sun - and the crowd melted away.

But the glories of music past seemed lost on the very young crowd. The excitement of seeing their pop idols in the here and now meant much more.

But this night wasn't about winning awards - it was a pure, unadulterated celebration of pop.