MTV awards bring pop glitz to Frankfurt FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The MTV Europe Music Awards bring the pop circus to Frankfurt on Sunday, with Barbadian R&B singer Rihanna leading the nominations and the late Whitney Houston to be honored with a Global Icon award. Houston, who was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub on February 11, will be the third artist to be given the award, following Bon Jovi and Queen in 2010 and 2011. "Whitney Houston may be gone, but her legend lives on," the organizers said. MTV said it would transform the inside of the 100-year-old Festhalle venue into a circus arena, and host Heidi Klum said she may swing from a trapeze. "It will be a magical, visual feast," the German model and presenter promised ahead of the event. One of this year's most eagerly anticipated performances is dance sensation Psy with his record-breaking hit "Gangnam Style." He will become the first South Korean artist to perform at the annual awards, one of the pop industry's biggest nights outside the United States. The song, which is up for the Best Video award, has been viewed more than 670 million times on YouTube and received a record-breaking 4.9 million "likes" on Facebook since being released in mid-July. Klum, who this year filed for divorce from singer husband Seal, is ready for the horse riding-inspired dance. "Now I know how to dance Gangnam Style!" she posted on Twitter on Saturday, with a picture of herself and Psy in matching blue tuxedo jackets. Despite being billed as the Europe Music Awards, the majority of nominees are traditionally North American, and 2012 is no exception. Alongside Psy, acts due to take the stage at the show include country singer Taylor Swift, 14-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, the Killers, newly reformed No Doubt and Carly Rae Jepsen. Before the show kicks off, stars taking to the red carpet will include rapper Ludacris, who will debut his new video "Rest of My Life." Following close behind with five nominations is country star Swift, Katy Perry with four, while Lady Gaga, who cleaned up last year with four prizes, is in the running for three awards. Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber, who has reportedly just broken up with girlfriend Selena Gomez, is up for four awards, including Best Male and Best Pop.