MILAN (AP) — Pharrell Williams will be the opening performer at the 2015 MTV European Music Award ceremony this month in Italy's fashion capital of Milan.

The singer, songwriter, producer and fashion designer will also be vying for the best male vocalist award, along with Ed Sheeran, 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 Ellie Goulding, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna in that category.

Sheeran and Ruby Rose will act as hosts for this year's MTV EMAs, which will be broadcast from the Mediolanum Forum in Milan on Oct. 25.