Michelle Branch hosted the awards

Hong Kong's Sammi Cheng, Malaysia's Siti Nurhaliza and Singapore's Stefanie Sun each earned favourite artist award in their home countries.

There were live performances from the Black Eyed Peas and Korean diva BoA.

US singer Mariah Carey made a surprise appearance and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

British singer Gareth Gates picked up favourite international male artist, beating artists including Robbie Williams, Eminem and Justin Timberlake.

Christina Aguilera won the international female artist prize, fending off competition from Dido and Beyonce.

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh paid tribute to the late Hong Kong singer Anita Mui at the awards.

"We're very fortunate that she touched the world in so many ways," said Yeoh, who received Mui's posthumous inspiration award on the late singer's behalf.

Mui died last year of cervical cancer.

"Her legacy will live on with us," Yeoh said.