Outkast came out the top dog at the MTV Europe Music Awards, walking away with three gongs.

Nominated in five categories, the hip-hop duo won best group, best video and best song (for "Hey Ya!") at the ceremony in Rome.

The ceremony, hosted by Xzibit, saw Usher win best male and best album for Confessions, and The Black Eyed Peas take the award for best pop act.

Metal-rap band Linkin Park were named best rock band.

Eminem's group D12 were surprise winners in the best hip-hop category, beating out heavyweights Jay-Z, Kanye West, the Beastie Boys and Nelly.

"D12 finally won an award," Eminem said, "thank you very much."

The rapper had been joined on stage by a crowd of children as he opened the show with a performance of "Mosh" and "Just Lose It."

According to The Sun, Slim Shady had planned to come on stage dressed as Michael Jackson in a wig and false nose, but was ordered to clean up his act. He threatend to walk out, but decided to abide by the rules.