US artists stage coup at MTV’s colossal event

HIP-HOP duo OutKast and R&B sensation Usher shared top honours at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Rome, scooping a combined five prizes at the ceremony, which was broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide.

OutKast stars Andre 3000 and Big Boi, whose Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won the 2004 Grammy for album of the year, walked away with best group, best song and best video awards.

The smooth-singing Usher grabbed best male artist and best album for Confessions, less than a week after dominating the American Music Awards.