Lavigne, Belly win MuchMusic awards

Billy Talent, Avril Lavigne and Belly were among the Canadian music stars to take home MuchMusic Video Awards at a star-studded street party on Sunday that had thousands of fans screaming.

Rockers Billy Talent snagged theawards for best video and the MuchLOUD best rock video, while Lavigne took the award for best international video by a Canadian, and Belly took the prize for best rap video.

The homegrown heroes claimed trophies before thousands of screaming fans who lined outdoor stages to see celebrities, including child star Hilary Duff, international superstars Fergie and Maroon 5 and actress Tara Reid.

"It's madness," Duff declared when she arrived on the red carpet.

Inside Much headquarters, Canadian Idol host Ben Mulroney, famous twosome Belinda Stronach and Tie Domi, and spurned television personality Mary Jo Eustace were among the notables to wander the halls.

Sushi, ice cream and wine flowed freely at the annual celebfest, known for a carnival-like atmosphere in which fans get a chance to get up close to the stars.

The live telecast kicked off in typically chaotic fashion with celebrity guests spilling out of outrageous rides on a red carpet lined by fans.

Rising rap star Belly arrived in an armoured Brinks truck with a Paris Hilton look-alike and an entourage that tossed fake bills to the screaming throng.

Canadian rockers SUM 41 bounded out of their white SUV swigging beer, with front man Deryck Whibley saying he most looked forward to seeing a performance by his wife, Lavigne.

Celebrity watchers started showing up several hours before the evening event to stake out spots close to the red carpet.

This year's guests included Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh, soulful singer Joss Stone, gossip blogger Perez Hilton and rockers Finger Eleven, who wowed fans from the roof of Much headquarters.