Lisbon to host MTV Europe awards

The city of Lisbon will host the 2005 MTV European Music Awards (EMA), it was announced yesterday.

“We chose Lisbon because it’s a young city and because MTV Portugal has been performing so well and with such enthusiasm,” MTV CEO Brent Hansen said.

The awards recognise the achievements of artists in 14 different music categories, from rock to pop and hip-hop, and are broadcast to more than a billion people worldwide.

This is the first time the awards have been given out in Portugal. MTV opened its Portuguese channel in July 2003.

The event will take place at Lisbon’s Pavilhao Atlantico on November 3, 2005.

The last edition of the awards, hosted by rapper Xzibit (pictured) and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, took place last month in Rome and rewarded artists including hip hop duo Outkast and pop princess Britney Spears.