Britney's ex-boyfriend is up for best album, best male, best pop, best new act and best song.
Christina Aguilera is hot on his heels with four nods.
Rock duo the White Strips are also up for four awards.
Britain's best hope at the event will be Robbie Williams, who's got three nominations - for best male, best pop and best album.
Evanescence, 50 Cent and Sean Paul have also each won a hat-trick of nominations.
The ceremony is taking place on 6 November.
Edinburgh's Leith Ocean Terminal beat off competition from Copenhagen and Belfast to host the spectacular show.
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MTV Europe Awards: The nominees
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