Rickrolling wins Astley MTV award

Rick Astley has scooped the gong for Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards, following an internet campaign supporting the 80s pop star.

Astley's surprise appearance in the category followed the internet craze called Rickrolling, where internet users were tricked into watching the video for Astley's classic Never Gonna Give You Up single.

The singer, who hit the top of the charts in the UK and 15 other countries with the song in 1987, beat off competition from U2, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Green Day and Tokio Hotel for the MTV honour.

MTV announced at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008 on Thursday night in Liverpool, that Astley had won the online vote for best act. Its website said Astley's victory demonstrated the "ultimate power of the audience vote".

In a statement Astley, who did not attend the Awards, said: "I am honoured that my fans worked so hard to help me win Best Act Ever at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards.

"This is the first time I have been nominated for the EMAs and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me."

If you weren't lucky enough to be 'tricked' in to watching the singer belt out his classic tune, you can watch Rick Astley on YouTube.

You can find the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008 winners here.

http://ema.mtv.co.uk