Ed Sheeran and Ruby Rose to host MTV Europe Music Awards in Milan

In this Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 photo, Ed Sheeran poses for a portrait in promotion of his full-length concert feature, "Ed Sheeran: Jumpers for Goalposts," in New York. (Photo by Drew Gurian/Invision/AP)

MILAN -- Ed Sheeran is host, nominee and performer as the music and fashion industries continue their affair in Italy's fashion capital for the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Pharrell Williams is the opening performer at Sunday night's award ceremony, followed by Ellie Goulding and James Bay, among others.

Williams and Sheeran will be vying for the best male vocalist award, along with Jason Derulo, Kanye West and Justin Bieber. Taylor Swift leads the female nominees with nine total nods, including for best female vocalist. She is up against Goulding, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

Rockers Duran Duran will receive the first-ever MTV video visionary award honouring music video pioneers.

The awards ceremony travels to a different European city each year and winners are selected by fans across the continent