Ed Sheeran performs on stage during the MTV Europe Music Awards in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday. AFP

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won best artist and best song for "Bad Habits", while K-pop stars BTS snatched four awards at MTV's Europe Music Awards, which returned as an in-person event after a virtual 2020 edition due to the pandemic.

It said the 2021 EMAs, held at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sport arena, would be "a global celebration of music for all audiences around the world".

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Lil Nas X was awarded best video for "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," while Korean band BTS won the most awards with four including best pop, best K-pop, best group, and biggest fans.

First-time EMA winners Måneskin took home best rock, while show host and performer Saweetie won best new.

Nicki Minaj earned a top award for best hip-hop, Olivia Rodrigo was awarded best push, Maluma won best Latin, and YUNGBLUD snagged the award for best alternative.

The show derived inspiration from Budapest's popular thermal spas and the Danube River, which runs through the capital, with stages that appeared to be floating.

Grammy award-winning Sheeran opened the night surrounded by neon graffiti to perform his latest single, "Overpass Graffiti." Later he performed his chart-topping hit "Shivers."