Jason Derulo sympathizes with Adele

London-born Adele, who is also up for best female at the MTV awards, is unable to attend the ceremony as she prepares for throat surgery to repair her damaged vocal cords.

"That's really rough, man," said US R&B star Jason Derulo, who will perform on the outdoor stage at the ceremony.

"As a vocalist myself, there's been times in my life where there's been a big scare, so for that to be actually happening to her is very sad."