Harry Styles appeared in a video message, thanking his fans for voting for him to win album of the year British nominees largely lost out to US counterparts at this year's awards, with only Harry Styles taking home a major prize with album of the year.

The 28-year-old apologised to fans for his absence at the show despite being "just down the road" performing at Madison Square Garden in New York.

This year's VMAs took place less than an hour away at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey.

"Thank you so so much for this award," he said in a video message. "I know this is a fan-voted award, I'd like to say thank you to all of my fans who voted, thank you so so much, I obviously wouldn't be holding this if it wasn't for you.

"I'm sorry I can't be on stage with you tonight, I'm about to go on stage just down the road, but I hope you're having a wonderful evening."

Source:bbc.com