MTV awards: One Direction win big; Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj shine

Boy-band sensation One Direction won big at one of Europe's top music events on Sunday, scooping three MTV Europe Music Awards at a firework-filled ceremony in Glasgow.

The British pop group, known for their dedicated global fan base, won Best Pop, Best Live and Biggest Fans categories, scooping three of a possible four.

US rapper Nicki Minaj poses for pictures after being awarded the title 'Best Hip Hop' during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 9, 2014. (AFP)

Though they won the most awards, the band were unable to attend to collect them in person. The absence of member Zayn Malik in their video message left fans questioning his whereabouts.

The ceremony, celebrating its 20th anniversary, was held in the 13,000-seat SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

US singer Ariana Grande performs at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Glasgow, Scotland on November 9, 2014. (AFP)

The city hosted the music channel MTV's flagship European awards show for the first time.

Ariana Grande also enjoyed success, grabbing her first two MTV EMAs, having received just one nomination in 2013.

Singer Enrique Iglesias (2ndR) performs on stage during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

The relative newcomer beat better-known acts such as Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and host Nicki Minaj to win Best Female, and her song 'Problem', featuring rapper Iggy Azalea, won Best Song ahead of Pharrell Williams' triple-platinum hit 'Happy.'

Minaj did pick up the award for Best Hip Hop, while Justin Bieber netted the award for Best Male.

U2's Bono (L) and Larry Mullen perform on stage during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

Rock veterans also made appearances, as heavy metal and reality TV star Ozzy Osborne collected a Global Icon award and Irish rock U2 veterans performed 'Every Breaking Wave.'

Pop stars Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj sparkled at the MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday.

Ozzy Osbourne performs during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 2014.  (REUTERS)

After opening the show with a thumping performance dressed in a futuristic silver leotard, Grande won best female artist and best song for her hit 'Problem'.

"I'm excited, I'm very very grateful and very happy," the Florida-born 21-year-old said backstage at the event.

US actor David Hasslehoff (R) and Hayley Roberts pose for pictures as they arrive for the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 9, 2014. (AFP)

Pop star and rapper Nicki Minaj was praised for her slick hosting of the awards, which included a nod to the host city with a rap about shortbread and drinks.

Dressed in a sheer black catsuit, Minaj danced under a cascade of sparks before performing a debut of a new song, 'Bed Of Lies', then breaking into her raunchy hit 'Anaconda'.

Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias poses for pictures backstage after he was awarded the title of 'Best World Stage' during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 9, 2014. (AFP)

Canada's Justin Bieber was awarded best male, pop star Katy Perry won best look and best video, and singer Enrique Iglesias won best world stage performance.

Beyonce, though rumoured to be a surprise guest, did not attend, but was awarded best song with a social message for her song 'Pretty Hurts'.

The theme of the awards was time travel to mark 20 years since the first one was held, and clips of the previous award shows were played.

Singer Ed Sheeran performs on stage during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

Actor and singer David Hasselhoff was applauded as he walked on stage in a kilt, telling the crowd cheekily "I am a true Scotsman but I'm not going to show you."

Irish band U2 returned to perform in their fourth appearance at the EMAs, playing 'Every Breaking Wave'.

Host of the show Nicki Minaj performs during the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, November 9, 2014. (REUTERS)

And rock musician Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage to accept a global icon award, remarking "I can't believe it, it's just incredible."

Guitar legend Slash appeared on stage to pay tribute to Osbourne, telling the audience "He scares the hell out of most people and all bats. But to me is a gentle man and a gentleman."

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