MAIN Art & ... Pop Culture World Music Awards

Founded in 1989, the World Music Awards recognizes the best selling musical artists worldwide.

This year, top music stars from around the globe gather in Monaco on November 9, 2008 for the 20th anniversary of the WMA's honoring the most popular artists with the longest track records of success in the industry.

The Diamond Award

The top accolade, the Diamond Award was created to honor the outstanding stars in the music industry who have sold more than 100 million albums during their career. Past recipients include Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi.

The Awards Worldwide Reach

Today, the show continues to enjoy the patronage of Prince Albert of Monaco, who uses the ceremony to raise awarness and money to help Third World nations. All proceeds of the show continue to fund the Monaco Aide and Presence Foundation, which assists many underdeveloped regions of Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.

Monaco often has been the traditional host city, but the show has also traveled to other international hotspots including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and London.

Television Coverage

Owing to its worldwide appeal, the WMA ceremony is scheduled to be televised in 160 countries across the planet including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia, China, Africa and the Middle East.

Elsewhere on the Web:

World Music Awards - The official site including the complete list of presenters and performers, background info on the awards, picture galleries, past winners and information on the various charities directly funded by the WMA's.

World Music Awards - Wikipedia entry featuring pictures, winners list, a history of the awards, most award wins since 1989, with links to further information.

2007 World Music Award Winners

Main Awards:

Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music - Celine Dion
Legend Award for Outstanding contribution to R & B - Patti Labelle
Entertainer of the year - Rihanna
World's Best Pop Female Artist - Rihanna
World's Best Pop male Artist - Justin Timberlake
World's Best Pop Rock Male Artist - Mika
World's Best Pop Rock Female Artist - Avril Lavigne
World's Best DJ - David Guetta
World's Best R and B Male Artist - Akon
World's Best R & B Female Artist - Rihanna
World's Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist - 50 Cent
World's best Latin Artist - Mana
World's Best DJ - David Guetta

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
Latin America - Mana
Middle East - Amr Diab
Russia - Silver
Spain - Miguel Bose
Scandinavia - Nightwish

also see -> MTV Europe Music Awards | AMA Awards