Forgotten 1980s pop star Rick Astley stunned revellers at the MTV Europe Music Awards on Thursday by taking home the award for Best Act Ever.

The singer's "Never Gonna Give You Up" pop anthem from 1987 was adopted by online jokers in April, luring music fans to sites promising exclusive videos by current artists - only to blast them with remixed versions of Astley's song, or his old video.

The computer trick was dubbed 'Rickrolling' by YouTube users who were caught out by the prank.

And it seems the joked paid off, after Astley beat competition from pop superstars Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Green Day and U2 to win the prestigious accolade.

But the reclusive star - who hasn't scored a hit record in nearly two decades - failed to attend the ceremony in Liverpool, England to collect the award.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)