The MTV Europe music awards event in Copenhagen opened with a performance by the host, Justin Timberlake, who later won two awards for best male and best pop act.

Hip hop duo Gnarls Barkley were the other act to achieve an awards double, winning honours for best new act and best song, for Crazy.

Barbadian singer Rihanna gave a spectacular performance in front of a 3,000-strong audience at the ceremony, ahead of winning the award for best R&B act.

Las Vegas band The Killers brought some rock 'n' roll cool to the event, and gave an early performance to about 10,000 people in the Danish capital's main square.

Actress turned singer Juliette Lewis presented a backstage webcast from the event accompanied by members of her band, The Licks.

Kanye West, named best hip hop act, said it was "amazing for me to be recognised so far away from America".

Canadian singer Nelly Furtado performed at the event, but missed out on awards in three categories.

Daniel Craig, soon to be seen as James Bond in new film Casino Royale, attended the event.

A performance by Finnish heavy metal band Lordi, winners of this year's Eurovision Song Contest, closed the 13th annual MTV Europe music awards.