Justin Bieber dominated the 2015 MTV EMAs as he won five European music awards on Sunday night. The awards won by the Canadian singer included the award for best male performer, best collaboration and best look.
“It’s been a long couple of years. I just feel it’s awesome to be recognized for my music,” Bieber, who was up for six awards, told the crowd.
As he picked up his award for best collaboration, Bieber said “it’s been a pretty good night.” By the time he took the fifth award, for best look, he just said “Wow.” He also won the worldwide act: North America category.
Host Ed Sheeran had a busy night, keeping the show going with co-host Ruby Rose, performing with Rudimental on their hit “Lay It On Me,” and taking home two awards himself, for best live act and best world stage.
Taylor Swift, who led all artists with nine nominations, took just one prize, best song, for “Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick Lamar. Rihanna won best female performer while Nicki Minaj took best hip hop. One Direction won for best pop group, preventing Bieber from sweeping all the awards for which he was nominated. None of those acts were on hand to accept, and only Minaj sent along a video where she said “thank you.”
Best video went to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who opened the show with their award-winning song “Downtown,” with Eric Nally flying against a full moon backdrop. They thanked fans for supporting their music without the backing of a big label.
Pharrell Williams closed out the ceremony, singing a rousing rendition of his anthem “Freedom” with dancers in brightly colored swing skirts.
MTV EMAs 2015 Winners – Full List:
Best Song: Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood”
Best Pop: One Direction
Best Female: Rihanna
Best Male: Justin Bieber
Best Live Act: Ed Sheeran
Best New Act: Shawn Mendes
Best Video: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, “Downtown”
Best Rock: Coldplay
Best Alternative: Lana Del Rey
Best Hip Hop: Nicki Minaj
Best Electronic: Martin Garrix
Best Push: Shawn Mendes
Best Collaboration: Justin Bieber, Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are You Now?”
Biggest Fans: Justin Bieber
Best Look: Justin Bieber
Best World Stage: Ed Sheeran
Video Visionary Award: Duran Duran
Worldwide Act, North America: Canada/Justin Bieber
Worldwide Act, Latin America: Brazil/Anitta
Worldwide Act, Europe: Italy/Marco Mengoni
Worldwide Act, Africa/India: Africa/Diamond Platnumz
Worldwide Act, Asia: China/Jane Zhang
Worldwide Act, Australia/New Zealand: Australia/5 Seconds of Summer