Estelle won two prizes at last night’s MOBO awards (15.10.08).
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The star – who won Best Song for American Boy and Best UK Female – graciously accepted her accolades at London’s Wembley Arena.
However, fellow double winners Leona Lewis and Chris Brown – who was honoured with Best R+B/Soul act and Best International Act – failed to attend.
The audience booed when it became clear The X Factor winner, who won Best Video for Bleeding Love and Best Album for Spirit, was not at the glitzy event – which celebrates music of black origin.
MOBO organiser Kanya King said: “It’s a shame that their schedules and their touring didn’t allow for them to be here.
“Hey, there’s always next year.”
Estelle – who managed to make it to the event despite having an early flight to catch this morning (16.10.08) – was overjoyed at her successes.
She said: “A MOBO is a great award, recognised by the kids and the people who understand my music, and who get the music that we do.
“British black music is on the up. If I’m anything to go by, it’s definitely on the up.”
The show was hosted by former Spice Girl Mel B, who admitted she had trouble reading the autocue.
She said: “I had laser surgery to correct my eyesight, but it’s started to reverse. It’s scary, I’m going blind again!”
Singer Grace Jones made a surprise appearance when Dirrty star Christina Aguilera pulled out.
Other winners included legendary label Motown Records, which was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award, Best Hip Hop recipient Lil’ Wayne and British hip-hop star Dizzee Rascal, who was awarded Best UK Male.
MOBO awards 2008 winners list in full:
Best UK Female – Estelle
Best UK Male – Dizzee Rascal
Best song – American Boy, Estelle
Best R+B/Soul – Chris Brown
Best Hip Hop – Lil’ Wayne
Best Video – Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis
Best Album – Spirit, Leona Lewis
Best UK Newcomer – Chipmunk
Best International Act – Chris Brown
Best Reggae – Mavado
Best Jazz – YolanDa Brown
Best Gospel – Jahaziel
Best African Act – 9ice
Best Radio DJ – Trevor Nelson
Best Club DJ – Tim Westwood
Lifetime Achievement – Motown Records
BeMOBO – Ricky McCalla
