CONTROVERSIAL rapper Eminem could return to Greater Manchester after the BBC announced the launch of a rival to the Brit Awards.

The top US star is likely to figure in nominations for the forthcoming Top of the Pops Awards, which will be held at Manchester's Arena.

And it could tempt the Beeb to invite him to the show in an attempt to lend the event greater credibility.

The last time he appeared in Manchester, gay protesters and women groups voiced their disapproval. The star was also investigated for allegedly taking drugs on stage.

A BBC insider said bosses were working behind the scenes on attracting major international artists, one of whom was Eminem.

Others include Westlife and Destiny's Child -- although the BBC's official line is that no acts are confirmed.

The acclaimed rapper, who pens songs about drugs, rape and violence, would be joined by dozens of other celebrities and pop acts as the Beeb launches what it hopes will become music's premier prize.

Other channels such as MTV already have respected award ceremonies but in Britain, the Brit Awards -- once renowned as a shambolic affair -- has become the country's most eagerly awaited music event.

The Top of the Pops Awards was launched yesterday by Chris Cowey, executive producer and director of TOTP, and presenter Jamie Theakston.

It has been heralded as a "major international event" and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide when it airs on November 30.

There will be ten awards: Top pop, top rock, top R&B, top dance, top newcomer, top tour, top album, top single, artist/band on top of the world and the Top of the Pops' Hall of Fame.

BBC chiefs have already pencilled in 12 performances from international stars and promise there will be some "interesting collaborations."

They promise that the event will attract the biggest names in pop either to perform or collect their gongs.

Manchester, according to Mr Cowey, was chosen as host because it was the birthplace of Top of the Pops in 1964.

He said: "Top of the Pops is more relevant today than ever. There's no bigger name in the world of music television and there's be no bigger event than the Top of the Pops Awards.

"This is a chance for everyone to celebrate the very best in popular music."

Eight of the ten awards will be voted for by the public with the other two picked by a panel of experts.

The show will broadcast on BBC. The station used to air the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party but that has switched to Channel Four this year.

Tickets for the Top of the Pops Awards went on sale today from the MEN Arena box office on 0161 930 8000 at £21.50.

THE long-running show was launched on January 1, 1964, from a converted church in Manchester.

It was hosted by DJ Jimmy Saville and since then there have been more than 1,900 shows.

The format has always been simply to chart the songs in the Top 40.

It began with the Rolling Stones who were at number 13 with 'I Wanna Be Your Man'.

At the time, their rivals The Beatles were number one with 'I Want to Hold Your Hand'.

Every show was initially put out live which posed problems of bands not turning up.

It led to the formation of the TOTP dancers including the Go-Jos and, more famously, Pan's People.

Dancers were dumped when music videos became mainstream.

Top of the Pops moved south in 1967 because BBC bosses decided the logistics of transporting bands north was proving too difficult.

Radio One DJs including Simon Dee and Kenny Everett were drafted in but the format remained the same.

Yet it was the 1980s when the show really began to take off -- and even begin to dictate band's chart positions.

According to the BBC, an appearance on the show often decided where it would enter the following week.

In 1998, on May 1, the show was launched in its current format with presenter Jamie Theakston.

It will move back to Television Centre on October 18 after an absense of 10 years.