Elton John presented the controversial US rapper Eminem with the Best International Male Artist prize at Britain's biggest annual pop music awards ceremony last night.
Eminen, dressed in trademark bluejean overalls and ice hockey mask and carrying a chainsaw, received a standing ovation when he sang his hit single The Real Slim Shady.
Gay and lesbian rights activists had promised to disrupt the event with a vocal protest but only about 20 demonstrators braved the pouring rain outside London's Earls Court Arena.
Westlife won Best Pop Act while another boy band, A1, were voted Best British Newcomer. Robbie Williams, who also performed at the awards ceremony, was voted Best British Male Solo Artist, beating Badly Drawn Boy, teen crooner Craig David, David Gray and DJ Norman Cook, "Fatboy Slim". However, Fatboy Slim did take the award for Best British Dance Act.
Williams also won the award for Best British Single for his hit Rock DJ. This is the sixth time the British star has scooped the award. The video for Rock DJ was voted Best British Video.
Best British Female Solo Artist went to Sonique while Kelis beat off competition from Pink and Westlife to win Best International Newcomer. Madonna won Best International Female Solo Artist and Best Soundtrack went to American Beauty.
Best British Album was awarded to Coldplay for Parachutes. Coldplay won the award for Best British Group.