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 winnersLegend 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
