The World Music Awards 2007

MONTE CARLO, Monaco - Celine Dion and Patti LaBelle were honoured at the World Music Awards for their outstanding careers, while British newcomer Mika took home a clutch of prizes.

Dion received the highest accolade, the Legend Award, at a gala in Monte Carlo Sunday night. Prince Albert II, who presented the honour, said Dion's voice "soothes the world's hearts and creates smiles of love across the face of the world."

The 39-year-old singer has sold 200 million albums worldwide.

Dion, who recalled her start as the youngest performer among 14 musical siblings, dedicated the award to her family. "Every time I go on stage, it's all of them going on stage with me," she said.

She then performed "Taking Chances," the first single from her upcoming album.

LaBelle was honoured for her enduring contribution to R&B. "I love this show because it unites the world with music; we need peace in the world," the 63-year-old singer said.

Mika, 24, won awards for best-selling new artist, best-selling male entertainer, best-selling pop/rock artist and best-selling British artist. He was unable to sing his runaway debut hit, "Grace Kelly," which makes reference to Prince Albert's mother, because he was suffering from laryngitis.

Akon, Rihanna and Avril Lavigne were also among the winners.

Winners are based on worldwide album sales, as certified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which is comprised of some 1,400 record companies in 75 countries.

World Music Awards 2007 list of winners

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

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