Two decades after his single hit the top spot in 16 countries, Astley's fans have taken its title Never Gonna Give You Up quite literally, by selecting him for nomination.

Astley, in his first ever nomination in the history of the MTV Europe Music Awards, will compete against Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Green Day, Tokio Hotel and U2 for best act ever.

"The audience has spoken and MTV has been well and truly 'Rickrolled'," said Richard Godfrey, senior vice president, music and production and executive producer, MTV Europe Music Awards.

"This surprise nomination truly demonstrates that the MTV Europe Music Awards is the most democratically selected awards show there is. Rick's fans have obviously decided that he deserves recognition as a pop icon and no doubt they are determined to make sure he wins on the night."

A clip of Never Gonna Give You Up has been viewed around the world due to "Rickrolling", whereby internet users click onto an enticing link which takes them to the 1987 video.

Voting is open at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards' dedicated website at www.mtvema.com to decide who will walk away with the award on the night.

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

Does Rick deserve to win? Vote now in our poll on the right.