MTV has announced that it is introducing three new categories at the 2008 Europe Music Awards.

For the first time, MTV's audience will be able to vote for the recipients of Best New Act, Best Act Ever and Europe's Favourite awards.

The winners of seven other awards - Album Of The Year, Headliner, Most Addictive Track, Act of 2008, Ultimate Urban, Rock Out, and Regional Awards in each territory - will also be determined by a public vote. Meanwhile, MTV chiefs will decide on the winner of the Video Star prize.

"Once again this year's awards will shine a spotlight on the very best solo artists and bands," said Richard Godfrey, the ceremony's executive producer. "Those who are lucky enough to pick up a coveted MTV Music Award will be joining a legion of artists in the MTV Hall of Fame."

The first stage of voting, which helps to determine the nominees in eight categories, opens today on the MTV Europe Music Awards website and will last for four weeks. The five top nominees in each category will then be put forward for the second stage of the voting.

Godfrey added: "No other award ceremony gives its audience such total control. Until the week of the Awards itself MTV literally has no idea who will be stepping up to the podium. It is the ultimate litmus test of any artist."

The 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Echo Arena in Liverpool on 6 November.