Eva Longoria to host MTV Europe awards

"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria will host the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid on November 7, organisers said Thursday.

The 35-year-old US actress, who is married to French professional basketball star Tony Parker, said she was "beyond excited" to host the annual event, one of pop music's biggest nights outside of the United States.

"I can't wait to see some fabulous performances and love that the most nominated artists this year are two amazing women, making some of the most exciting music in pop right now," she said in a statement.

US singers Lady Gaga and Katy Perry top the nominations, with five nods apiece. The two will go head to head in four categories - best pop act, best female act, best song and best video.

Perry, 25, was also nominated for best world stage performance while Lady Gaga, 24, is in the running for best live act.

Both singers burst unto the music scene in 2008, Perry with her breakthrough single "I Kissed a Girl" and Lady Gaga with her debut album "The Fame".

Perry and US rock band Linkin Park, who are nominated for best rock act and best live act, will perform at the ceremony, as will Kings of Leon and Kid Rock.

Last month Lady Gaga, as famous for her unusual fashion sense as for her musical sensibilities, took home eight prizes at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, including for best video.

The MTV Europe awards have been held each year since 1994. Past performers at the event include Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and U2.

Past host cities include Copenhagen in 2006, Liverpool in 2008, Lisbon in 2005, Rome in 2004, Paris in 1996 and Barcelona in 2002.