MTV to honour Sir Paul McCartney at tonight's Europe Music Awards live from Liverpool's Echo Arena

by Zoë Blackler

Liverpool’s most famous musical export Sir Paul McCartney will be honoured tonight at MTV’s Europe Music Awards.

The former Beatle will return to his home city to collect the Ultimate Legend Award in recognition of his life-long contribution to music.

The awards ceremony, being broadcast live from the Liverpool Echo Arena, will also reward this year’s greatest musical achievers. Artists in the running include Britney Spears, Metallica, Amy Winehouse and The Cure (see below for full shortlist).

The show, hosted by Katy Perry who is also up for two awards, will feature live performances from Beyoncé, Duffy, P!nk, The Killers, Kid Rock, Take That, Kanye West, Estelle, and The Ting Tings.

The winner of Europe’s Favourite Act, chosen by popular vote, will also be named. The nominees include artists from Israel, Turkey and Leona Lewis representing the UK and Ireland.

MTV’s chairman and CEO Bill Roedy said: “Sir Paul McCartney is one of the true greats. Not only has he has been one of the most formative influences on the music scene on a global scale but he is one of the founding fathers that has earned Liverpool the recent accolade as Most Musical City in the UK.

"We are honoured that Sir Paul has agreed to accept this award which is a fitting tribute to a man who has touched millions of lives with his music.”

MTV'S EMA SHORTLIST

Album of the Year: Alicia Keys – As I Am, Britney Spears - Blackout, Coldplay – Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, Duffy – Rockferry, Leona Lewis – Spirit

Headliner: Foo Fighters; Linkin Park; Metallica; The Cure; Tokio Hotel

Most Addictive Track: Coldplay – "Viva La Vida"; Duffy – "Mercy"; Katy Perry – "I Kissed a Girl"; Kid Rock – "All Summer Long"; Pink – "So What"

New Act: Duffy; Jonas Brothers; Katy Perry; Miley Cyrus; OneRepublic

Act of 2008: Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Coldplay, Leona Lewis, Rihanna

Ultimate Urban: Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Lil Wayne

Rock Out: 30 Seconds to Mars; Linkin Park; Metallica; Paramore; Slipknot

Europe’s Favourite Act: Shiri Maimon – Israel, Finley – Italy, Dima Bilan – Russia, Emre Aydin – Turkey, Leona Lewis - Uk & Ireland