Eminem scoops MTV awards

He was named best male artist, beating off competition from last year's winner, Robbie Williams, plus best album and best hip-hop artist.

He currently holds the number one positions in both the US album and film charts.

Kylie Minogue picked up two prizes, as did rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Linkin Park.

Kylie, who had a huge hit with Can't Get You Out Of My Head, won in the pop and dance categories.

"All of Europe has made me feel very much at home," she told the crowd.

But she lost out in the best female category to Jennifer Lopez, who triumphed for the second year in a row.

Global audience

Some of the biggest names in pop and rock gathered for the bash, which was watched by a 12,000-strong live crowd and millions more around the world on TV.

US group The Red Hot Chili Peppers picked up prizes for best rock and best live act.

They lost out in the coveted best group category to nu-metal band Linkin Park. U2, Coldplay and No Doubt were also in the running.

"I really didn't think we were going to win this because all those groups that were nominated are actually a lot better than us," Linkin Park singer Joseph Hahn said.

His group were also winners of the award for best hard rock act.

Moby, who won for his website, took the opportunity to settle a public feud with Eminem.

In his recent hit Without Me, Eminem vented his anger at Moby and the dance maestro retaliated by saying he thought the rapper was gay.

"I wish Eminem well," Moby said at the ceremony. "I have nothing but peace and respect for Eminem."

Twenty-one-year-old singing sensation Alicia Keys won the best R&B prize, while another newcomer, Pink, triumphed in the best song category for her hit Get the Party Started.

Pink, Foo Fighters and Royksopp were among those putting in performances on the night.

The show was hosted by hip-hop star P Diddy, who paid tribute to murdered Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay with a T-shirt reading: "RIP JMJ."

Other stars on show included Holly Valance, Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Pamela Anderson, who all presented awards.

Robbie Williams performed his new single Feel and said: "I'd like to thank MTV for my award for the best year off."

The best UK and Ireland category was won by Coldplay, who held off this year's hot property Ms Dynamite as well as Atomic Kitten, Sugababes and Underworld.

There were categories for the best acts from nine other European countries - including Romania, Poland and Russia.

In 2001, Gorillaz, Craig David and Limp Bizkit won two awards each when the ceremony was held in Frankfurt, Germany.