Beyonce scoops MTV award hat-trick

Beyonce has scooped a hat-trick of prizes at the MTV Europe Music Awards, dedicating one of them to husband Jay-Z.

The singer beat Leona Lewis among others to take home the Best Female gong, and also won Best Song for Halo and Best Video for Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) on Thursday night.

The awards burst into life with a performance by Green Day, followed by host Katy Perry's mash-up of the five Best Song contenders, including Beyonce's hit Halo and Kings of Leon's Use Somebody.

Perry, who is dating comedian Russell Brand, appeared in an array of wacky costumes, inspired by burlesque and Liza Minnelli's appearance in Cabaret. She made a whirlwind of more than 10 outfit changes, donning a huge ballgown with holes cut out, a pair of knickers with a heart emblem and a blue rubber crop top and hot pants. Her head gear included a crystal-encrusted bowler hat and a giant pair of red lips.

The heat was turned up throughout the night as Beyonce, who sang Sweet Dreams, wore a red corset slashed to the navel, suspenders and long red gloves. She dedicated her Best Video award to rapper husband Jay-Z, saying: "There's only one person I want to thank and that is Jay for putting a ring on it."

The event is one of the music world's most glitzy bashes and was held in Berlin to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a potent Cold War symbol.

Other winners of the night included U2, who scooped Best Live Act, scoring their third EMA award win since the MTV Europe Music Awards began in 1994. Jay-Z was handed the Best Urban gong and German band Tokio Hotel - who delivered a stunning performance of The World Behind My Wall, culminating in an explosive display which sent the band's instruments up in flames - were named Best Group.

Eminem won the Best Male category, beating Robbie Williams and Mika among others. Williams was due to attend the event but pulled out due to a "schedule clash".

Best World Stage Performance was won by Linkin Park, who triumphed over Coldplay and other acts, while Pixie Lott was pronounced the first ever MTV Push Artist. Both categories were added to this year's EMAs for the first time, recognising artists who have been championed by MTV.

Lady GaGa, who was not at the ceremony, was named Best New Act, beating La Roux and Daniel Merriweather, while Green Day won the Best Rock prize. Placebo beat British hopes Muse and The Prodigy to win the Best Alternative prize.