The prize-giving will include “New Act,” for the best debut of 2008, and “Europe’s Favourite,” which will be judged from the winners of all the regional awards. The awards will be broadcast live from the Liverpool Echo Arena November 6.

The third new category is “Best Act Ever,” which could arguably go to a new act but is more likely to end up with one of the more established artists that have come from Europe.

“We are continuing the custom of the audience knowing best,” said MTV Europe vice president and awards producer Richard Godfrey, confirming that 10 of the 11 categories will be decided by an audience vote.

The first stage of voting for eight of the categories will take place over a four-week period ending September 21, then the five top nominees in each section will be put forward for the second stage. Between September 29 and November 2 viewers will vote online to choose the ultimate winner in each category.

Over the past 15 years more than 170 MTV Europe awards have been given out to solo artists and bands including Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Spice Girls and Robbie Williams.

In 2007 the awards, which were broadcast on 19 channels across Europe as well as the U.S. and Asia, reached a total television audience of more than 30 million.