LIVERPOOL is today anticipating its most star-studded event of the year, after it was confirmed R&B superstar Beyoncé Knowles will perform at the city’s MTV Europe Music Awards.

The 27-year-old singer is the first major act to be named for the event at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, and it is thought many more high profile nominees from the upper eschelons of the music world will be joining her.

The remaining performers will be announced in the coming weeks but nominees include Britney Spears, Coldplay and Welsh soul singer Duffy.

Last night, members of the city’s music industry and tourism bosses welcomed the news, saying the event would be a huge international spectacle. MTV are already branding it “the best gig in Europe” this year.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “These awards are all about raising the profile of the city and hosting stars such as Beyoncé, and many others who will be announced over the next few weeks, will certainly achieve that.

“It just shows what a coup it was to attract the MTV awards. The Arena and Convention Centre is providing more than we ever expected for the economy of the city.”

Kris Donaldson, director of Liverpool Culture Company, said: “This announcement shows exactly why we bid to bring the MTV Awards to Liverpool.

“There are very few events that have this sort of global, celebrity stature but MTV is on the A-list.

“With Liverpool’s world-famous musical heritage and having Capital of Culture here, it made perfect sense to bring MTV here in 2008.”

The awards, which are broadcast on 19 channels across Europe, the US and Asia, reach a total television audience of over 30m people. They have only been held in the British Isles three times and one of those was in Ireland.

Mr Donaldson added: “Hosting these types of events puts the city into a certain bracket, of premier European cities that are capable of handling these huge events. As well as our day to day community work, these big events like Paul McCartney at Anfield, the Spider and the MTV Awards have drop- ped nicely throughout the year.”

The city’s music fraternity were equally delighted to hear about Beyoncé’s arrival. Singer Thomas Lang, co-owner of Parr Street Studios, said: “I think the whole thing is fantastic for the city and to have such a huge star in town is great.

“It shows Liverpool does not just harp back to the music of The Beatles, but also has things hap- pening now. There will be such an amazing atmosphere, with such famous musicians here.”

Beyoncé achieved fame as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, the biggest selling girl band of all time. Her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, won her five Grammy nominations.

Lorraine Rogers, chief executive of Liverpool City Region’s official tourist board The Mersey Partnership said: “Liverpool hosting the MTV Awards will generate another huge wave of interest from around the world.

“It promises to be another great event generating a lot of business for the city as well as huge global profile.”

Beyoncé has been nominated for the Ultimate Urban category of the awards, with Amy Winehouse and X-Factor winner Leona Lewis in the running for the Act of 2008 award. The remaining list of nominations includes Foo Fighters, 30 Seconds to Mars, Rihanna and Tokio Hotel, as well as new acts Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.

Richard Godfrey, senior vice- president of MTV and executive producer of the awards, said: “We are extremely pleased Beyoncé is returning to the MTV Europe Music Awards, and will once again wow the audience with what promises to be a show-stopping performance.”

IT WAS announced earlier this month Merseysiders will be given priority for tickets to the awards on November 6, and the online ballot – at www.mtvema.com – closing at 6pm this Saturday.

Music fans also have until Sun- day, November 2, to vote for their favourite acts on the website.

OPINION: PAGE 10;

FREE MTV FESTIVAL GIGS – CULTURE DIARY: PAGE 12

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