The Baby singer, who is also set to perform at the ceremony in Milan, Italy, beat off competition from Ed Sheeran, Jason Derulo, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams to win the accolade for the sixth consecutive year.

During his acceptance speech, Bieber thanked his fans and family for helping him make a successful comeback after a troubled few years, during which he became known more for his legal troubles and run-ins with the police.

"Thank you, it's been a long couple of years," he said. "I just feel like this is pretty awesome to be recognised for my music.

"First of all, I just want to say thank you to my fans, you guys are really incredible. I wanna thank my mum and my dad, and God, and everyone who helped me get to this place. I don't really know what else to say, I'm pretty much winging it right now. But, I love you, thank you."

He is nominated for another five awards, including Best Pop, Best Look and Best Collaboration for Where Are U Now with Skrillex and Diplo.

More prizes were handed out during the MTV pre-show celebrations, including Best Alternative to Lana Del Rey and Best Rock to Coldplay. Fifth Harmony also belted out their hit song Worth It on the red carpet.

MACklemore & Ryan Lewis opened the prizegiving with a performance of their new single Downtown, and Jason Derulo followed with a high-energy performance of Want To Want Me, which included a dance routine on hoverboards.

Other performers set to hit the stage in Milan include Sheeran with Rudimental, Ellie Goulding, Pharrell Williams and Jess Glynne.

The ceremony, hosted by Sheeran and actress/DJ Ruby Rose, is being broadcast live from the Mediolanum Forum.