Mick Jagger and Backstreet Boys Howie Dorough and Nick Carter may seem like an unlikely trio, especially at a Latin music event, but they were all inside Miami Beach's Jackie Gleason Theater Thursday night for the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards Latin America.

Asked by PEOPLE why he was there, Dorough, 29, replied: "Because music is music ... and the Latin sound is hot! "

Almost as hot as the 90-degree temperature outside the theater. With chauffeured Lincoln Navigators filling the streets, guests such as Paulina Rubio, Iggy Pop and model-actress Elsa Benitez (who is five months pregnant) walked the purple carpet runway for MTV's newest ceremony.

Rubio, who was nominated for four awards, including best female artist of the year, told PEOPLE she was "excited" to be on hand, "because it's about the entire Latin community and creative arts in general."

With her feathered hair and Esteban Cortazar-designed white leather mini skirt with matching wide-collared crop jacket, Rubio, 31, was cheered on by the onlookers outside. But the night belonged to Colombian superstar Shakira, who took home five awards, including artist of the year, video of the year, female artist of the year, pop artist of the year and best artist (North Latin America).

Sporting her trademark golden locks, Shakira, 25, told the appreciative crowd, "Through music we remember very important moments and project our lives."

The two-hour show aired live in Spanish on MTV Latin America and with English subtitles on MTV2.

The event kicked off with the not-exactly-Latin Rolling Stones, who gave a taped introduction. The night's headliners included Carlos Santana -- who delivered a duet with English-language sensation Michelle Branch -- Mana and Shakira.