Justin Bieber was the big winner at the 2016 MTV European Music Awards on Sunday night (06Nov16) despite losing his Best Male crown.

Justin had won the Best Male prize for the previous six years, but was dethroned by fellow Canadian Shawn Mendes at the ceremony in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Although he had beaten longtime fan favorite Justin, Shawn delighted the Dutch crowd with his heartfelt acceptance speech. After thanking his fans, management and the organizers he said, "It's my mom's birthday today so happy birthday mom, I love you."

Despite not winning the coveted accolade for the first time since 2009, Justin was still won the most gongs on the night, triumphing in the Biggest Fans, Best Song (Sorry) and the Best Canadian Act categories.

The other multiple winners were Lady Gaga, who won Best Female and Best Look, rockers Twenty One Pilots who won Best Live Act and Best Alternative, and Dutch DJ Martin Garrix who won the Best World Stage and Best Electronic awards.

All the statues given to winners were colored purple in honor of pop icon Prince, who died in April this year (16).

Home favorite Martin also helped host Bebe Rexha open the show, performing their hit Name of Love directly before the star won his Best Electronic prize.

The Weeknd gave a dazzling rendition of his Best Video winning collaboration with Daft Punk, Starboy and Global Icon Award winners Green Day performed a virtuoso punk rock set.

One of the stories of the night however was those who went home empty handed, with Beyonce, Adele and Rihanna all failing to bag any prizes.

Others who wowed the crowd at the Ahoy Rotterdam convention center were Bruno Mars, DNCE and Kings of Leon.

The full list of EMA winners is:

Best Video - The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk (Starboy)

Best New - Zara Larsson

Best Female - Lady Gaga

Best Male - Shawn Mendes

Best Look - Lady Gaga

Best Live - Twenty One Pilots

Biggest Fans - Justin Bieber

Best World Stage - Martin Garrix

Best Hip Hop - Drake

Best Pop - Fifth Harmony

Best Song - Justin Bieber (Sorry)

Best Push - DNCE

Best Electronic - Martin Garrix

Best Rock - Coldplay

Best Alternative - Twenty One Pilots

Global Icon Award - Green Day

Best U.S. Act - Ariana Grande

Best Canadian Act - Justin Bieber

Best U.K. & Ireland Act - Little Mix

Best African Act - WizKid

Awards were also given out to the most popular acts from selected countries or regions.