Mtv never wanted him to win. Mtv used his nomination as a joke. It was to get them free publicity. It did generate a fairly big stir in both Europe and U.S. online and print news authorities.
He won because of the hard work of several individuals who put a web site together. To attract large numbers of both Rick Astley fans. As well as people who were just sick of MTV's commercialized way of doing things. Using auto voters that had to be rewritten, on almost a daily basis. To keep up with mtv's voting service. WE were able to give rick more votes then their are people in all of Europe.
From what I understand MTV only gave him a invitation to the awards. They new he had way more votes than any other contestant. Even knowing this. It was not until the day before the awards. That they decided to ask him to accept. He decided not to even attend the event. I was surprised they even used what air time they did to announce his award. As mtv would rather use every second they have to promote and advertise the more marketable groups and singers. To their targeted demographic groups.