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Monday November 5, 2007

Lebanese-born singer Mika won big at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo last night – scooping gongs for World’s Best-Selling New Artist, the World’s Best-Selling Pop/Rock Male Artist and Britain’s Best-Selling Artist.

Hip-Hop star Akon, whose hits include ‘Locked Up’ & ‘ Lonely’ was celebrating as well last night – after bagging himself three awards: The R+B artist awards, Africa’s Best-Selling Artist and the World’s Best-Selling Internet Artist.

Akon said: “You are witness to seeing me receive any kind of award for music the first time in my life.”

Celine Dion and  Patti LaBelle were both honored at the star-studded ceremony.

Celine, who has shifted an enormous 200 million albums worldwide, received the prestigious Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

Monaco’s Prince Albert, who presented Celine, 39, with the award, said: “Her contribution to music is as potent as her courageous voice. She soothes the world’s hearts and create smiles of love across the face of the world.

Patti LaBelle was presented with the Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to R+B.

Patti, who wowed the crowd with a rendition of ‘Lady Marmalade’ said: “I love this show because it unites the world with music. It’s not about making money, because I don’t need money, but I need to sing.”

Avril Lavigne scooped the award for the World’s Best-Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist & was also named the Canada’s Best-Selling Artist.

Rihanna – who also performed at the show – won Female Entertainer of the Year, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Beyoncé Knowles and Shakira to be named the World’s Best-Selling Pop Female Artist.

Jennnifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony were both beaten to the World’s Best-Selling Latin Artist by Mexican rock band Mana.

World Music Awards 2007 list of winners is as follows:

Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to R+B – Patti LaBelle

Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music – Celine Dion

World’s Best-Selling New Artist – Mika

World’s Best-Selling Pop/Rock Male Artist - Mika

World’s Best-Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist – Avril Lavigne

World’s Best-Selling Rap/Hip-Hop Artist – 50 Cent

World’s Best-Selling Rock Group – Linkin Park

World’s Best-Selling R+B Artist – Akon

World’s Best-Selling Pop Female Artist – Rihanna

World’s Best-Selling DJ – David Guetta

World’s Best-Selling Latin Artist – Mana

Male Entertainer of the Year – Mika

Female Entertainer of the Year – Rihanna

World’s Best-Selling Internet Artist – Akon

Best-Selling Artists from around the world:

Africa – Akon

America – Justin Timberlake

Australia – Silverchair

Britain – Mika

Canada – Avril Lavigne

China – Jay Chou

Netherlands - Within Temptation

France – Christophe Willem

Germany - Cascada

Ireland – U2

Italy – Laura Pausini

Middle East - Amr Diab

Russia – Silver

Spain – Miguel Bose

Scandinavia – Nightwish