Bon Jovi to be honoured at MTV Europe awards

Madrid: US rockers Bon Jovi will receive a Global Icon prize at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid next month, organisers said Tuesday.

The quartet, who have been performing for over two decades and sold over 125 million albums worldwide, will also perform at the annual event which will be held this year in the Spanish capital on November 7, they said in a statement. "There?s no question that Bon Jovi has achieved iconic status across the globe as one of the world?s best known, best loved and most influential rock bands," said Bruce Gillmer, executive vice president of music and talent at MTV Networks International. "We?re thrilled to be able to recognise and honour Bon Jovi, with the first-ever MTV European Music Awards Global Icon award." US singers Lady Gaga and Katy Perry top the nominations, with five nods apiece. The two will go head to head in four categories -- best pop act, best female act, best song and best video. Perry and US rock band Linkin Park, who are nominated for best rock act and best live act, will perform at the ceremony, as will Kings of Leon, Kid Rock, Kesha and Shakira. "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria will host the awards, which have been held each year in a different European city since 1994. Past host cities include Copenhagen in 2006, Liverpool in 2008, Lisbon in 2005, Rome in 2004, Paris in 1996 and Barcelona in 2002. Bureau Report