As US acts dominate MTV Europe Awards

MADRID – “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria trumped Lady Gaga’s now infamous meat dress by sporting a tongue-in-cheek “Spanish ham dress” to host the MTV Europe Awards ceremony in Madrid on Sunday.

The glamorous 35-year-old actress, who had said before the event she planned to “pull off some way-out outfits,” was true to her word.

After switching between half a dozen outfits, from magenta slit-front tuxedo jacket to black, shoulderless mini dress, she shimmered onstage in a layered satin gown.

But US singer Katy Perry, who picked up a best video award at the event for “California Gurls”, promptly whisked off Longoria’s gown to reveal a shimmering black bustier and mini-shorts beneath.

And then the fashion finale, as Longoria waddled onstage in a life-size tribute to the “meat dress” — made entirely of raw steak — which Lady Gaga wore to the September MTV music awards in the United States.

Longoria’s reply: the “Jamon Iberico” or Spanish Ham dress, shaped like a fleshy leg of cured ham, with only her head poking out of its centre.

“Lady Gaga couldn’t be here tonight but she left this dress backstage,” quipped Longoria. “Who knew Spanish ham was one of my colours?”

The flamboyant US singer — who was not present for the MTV awards ceremony — picked up three prizes including female artist of the year, with Canadian teen heartthrob Justin Bieber taking best male artist gong.

Lady Gaga, who bagged a slew of prizes at the US version of the awards in September, also took the best pop artist award and top song prize for “Bad Romance” at the music channel’s European awards ceremony. The other U.S. performers who won were Ke$ha (best new act), Eminem (best hip hop), Paramore (best alternative), Linkin Park (best live act) and 30 Seconds to Mars (best rock).

It was Colombian singer Shakira opened the show, plus performances by acts including Kings of Leon, Kid Rock and Miley Cyrus. Rihanna, who sported red hair, a tiara and a short white wedding-style dress, sang “Only Girl.” Bon Jovi closed the show, after the band picked up the first Global Icon title. (AFP)