Rihanna routed by Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber at MTV EMA

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After topping the nominations list, Rihanna bottoms-out at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Germany.

FRANKFURT, Germany, Wednesday November 14, 2012 – In a surprise finish at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Frankfurt, Barbados’ pop princess Rihanna was left empty-handed after topping the nominations list and looking like a sure-fire winner in Sunday’s prestigious event.

Prior to the awards ceremony, the 24-year-old megastar headed all artists with six nominations, closely followed by Taylor Swift with five.

The pair competed against each other in three categories: Best Female, Best Pop and Best Look which spotlights the most unique and eye-catching personal styles in the music world.

Rihanna was also up for the Biggest Fans award, as well as Best Song and Best Video for her smash hit We Found Love. Taylor Swift's other nods were in the Best Live and Best World Stage categories.

Justin Bieber and Katy Perry were in the running for four awards each, followed by a slew of buzzworthy acts including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Rihanna’s friend and mentor Jay-Z, earning three nominations each.

As things turned out, Taylor Swift beat Rihanna in the battle of the women, taking three out of a possible five awards.

Twenty-two-year-old American singer-songwriter Swift walked away with Best Female, Best Live and Best Look.

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber matched Swift for the guys and earned Best World Stage, along with repeat wins for Best Pop and Best Male.

South Korean pop sensation Psy's "Gangnam Style" took home the award for Best Video, while Nicki Minaj bagged Best Hip Hop honours.

The late Whitney Houston, who died early this year, was named Global Icon for her impact on pop music.

Several stars were on hand as presenters, including host Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Lana Del Rey, Alicia Keys, Ludacris and David Hasselhoff. Swift, Psy and Pitbull were among the performers.

The 19th annual MTV EMA was broadcast live from Frankfurt's historic Festhalle on Sunday.
Complete list of winners:
Best Female - Taylor Swift
Best Male - Justin Bieber
Best New Act - One Direction
Best Song - "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen
Best World Stage - Justin Bieber
Best Video - "Gangnam Style," PSY
Best Rock - Linkin Park
Best Pop - Justin Bieber
Best Look - Taylor Swift
Best Alternative - Lana Del Rey
Best Hip Hop - Nicki Minaj
Best Live - Taylor Swift
Biggest Fans - One Direction
Best PUSH - Carly Rae Jepsen
Global Icon - Whitney Houston