Coldplay triumphed at the 20th annual World Music Awards in Monaco last night (09.11.08), winning three accolades.
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The British group were named the World’s Top Selling Act, Best Rock Group and Best Act From Great Britain at the ceremony, which rewards artists depending on their worldwide sales figures from the previous year.
Leona Lewis outsold both Madonna and Mariah Carey to claim the Female Pop award and also picked up Best New Artist.
Other winners included Kid Rock who won the Male Pop category for his album Rock ‘N’ Roll Jesus as well as the Male Pop/Rock award.
Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse was named Best Female Pop/Rock Act of the year.
Beatles legend Ringo Starr attended to collect the prestigious Diamond Award, which honours artists who have sold more than 100 million albums during their career – although the World Music Awards claims the group has actually sold more than one billion records.
While the awards show ran smoothly, there was said to be backstage friction, as artists were allocated dressing rooms based on their perceived level of stardom by the event organisers.
Mariah Carey, who collected the Lifetime Achievement prize, was given the most luxurious changing space, while Beyonce Knowles and Kid Rock were also made very comfortable.
However, Beyonce’s budding pop star sister Solange had to put up with a makeshift dressing room.
A source told the Daily Mirror: “Mariah and Beyonce got star billing and the most elaborate dressing rooms. It was no expense spared. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough space to give poor Solange her own dressing room.
“It wasn’t a deliberate snub, but she ended up sharing with big sister Beyonce. Some of the stars were giggling about her and comparing notes on the facilities.”
List of main winners at the 2008 World Music Awards:
Lifetime Achievement: Mariah Carey
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts: Beyonce Knowles Outstanding Contribution to Music Industry: LA Reid Best Pop Male: Kid Rock
Best Pop Female: Leona Lewis
Best Pop/Rock Male: Kid Rock
Best Pop/Rock Female: Amy Winehouse
Best R’n’B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best R’n’B Male: Chris Brown
Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist: Lil Wayne
Best Rock Act: Coldplay
Best New Artist: Leona Lewis
Country’s most popular act award winners:
Great Britain: Coldplay
Africa: Akon
America: Madonna
Canada: Celine Dion
Enrique Iglesias: Spanish and Latin performer
