Singer Justin Bieber has triumphed at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards in Milan, winning a total of five categories.

Justin, who was up against swift competition from Taylor Swift who had nine nominations, was named Best Male, Best Worldwide Act: North America, Best Look, Best Collaboration and he took home the Best Fans award.

Despite her many nominations, Taylor only won one award, for Best Song.

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift (Charles Sykes/Invision)

Justin, 21, took to the stage to perform his hit, What Do You Mean, and told his fans as he won his second accolade: “I don’t take any of these moments for granted, you guys are unbelievable. That’s where I belong, right up there on that stage.”

A good deal of anticipation surrounded his performance because he broke down in tears at the MTV Video Music Awards in August.

Accepting his first award, Justin said: “Wow, thank you. It’s been a long couple of years, um, I just feel like this is pretty awesome to be recognised for my music. I just want to say thank you to all of my fans, you guys are really incredible. I want to thank you mom and my dad, and God, and everyone who helped me get to this place. I love you, thank you.”

Justin Bieber at the MTV EMA Awards
Justin Bieber at the MTV EMAs (Luca Bruno/AP)

Other winners included: Best Pop: One Direction, Best New Act: Shawn Mendes and Best Female: Rihanna.

New Romantic favourites Duran Duran received the first ever MTV Video Visionary Award for their strong visual presence and for influencing a generation of musicians with some of the best pioneering music videos of all time.

“When we started there was us and MTV and we blazed a trail and we were there for each other,” said lead singer Simon Le Bon as they picked up the gong.

Ed Sheeran and Ruby Rose
Ed Sheeran and Ruby Rose (Luca Bruno/AP)

The ceremony was hosted by Ed Sheeran and model and Orange Is The New Black star Ruby Rose.

Ed took to the stage to perform with Rudimental and was also named Best Live Act and won the Best World Stage award.

At the beginning of the show, Ed told the crowd: “I’m very excited to be here, Italy is one of my favourite countries.. it’s nice to be hosting a show here.”

Ellie Goulding performing at the MTV EMA Awards
Ellie Goulding performing at the MTV EMAs (Luca Bruno/AP)

Stand-out performances included Ellie Goulding, who emerged from a diamond that opened around her as she performed and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and YouTube star Tori Kelly, who performed a duet of Pink’s hit Just Give Me A Reason.

Tennis ace Novak Djokovic took to the stage in a suit to present the award for Best Hip Hop, which was won by Nicki Minaj.

“Oh my gosh you guys, I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there in Milan tonight,” she said via a video message. “I wish I was in Milan having some delicious spaghetti but I’m not, but love you.”

Fifth Harmony at the MTV EMA Awards
Fifth Harmony at the MTV EMAs (Yui Mok/PA)

American girl band Fifth Harmony blitzed the red carpet in style as they sang and danced their way past the waiting fans and cameras performing their hit Worth It.

Singer James Bay has said he would love to write a song for Sir Tom Jones.

Talking on the red carpet he commented on reports saying Sir Tom wanted him to write for him.

“I would love to say yes, but I’ve not started yet, I’m trying to find some time,” he told the Press Association.

James Bay at the MTV EMA Awards
James Bay at the MTV EMAs (Antonio Calanni/AP)

Music producer Naughty Boy, who had a very public Twitter spat with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, said he is being kept busy promoting his new single, Runnin’ (Lose It All) that features Beyonce and Arrow Benjamin.

“It’s a good end to the year, it’s been a circus of a year,” he said.

When asked if everything was settled with One Direction, he said: “This is the media business, we’re all circus monkeys, we go round and go the other way and then we go back again so I’m just going this way.”