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 will gather in Monaco on November 15, 2009 for the 21st anniversary of the WMA's honoring the most popular artists with the longest track records of success in the industry.

Along with a variety of live performances, also watch for legendary rocker Prince who is scheduled to perform a special tribute to Michael Jackson during the awards ceremony this year.

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 televised in 160 countries across the planet including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia, China, Africa and the Middle East. In many countries, the ceremony is taped and later shown as a special TV presentation weeks after the event.

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.

2008 World Music Award Winners

Main Awards:

Diamond Award - Ringo Starr
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts - Beyonce
Special Achievement Award - Mariah Carey
World's Best Pop Female Artist - Leona Lewis
World's Best Pop Male Artist - Kid Rock
World's Best Pop Rock Male Artist - Kid Rock
World's Best Pop Rock Female Artist - Amy Winehouse
World's Best Rock Act - Cold Play
World's Best R & B Artist - Alicia Keys
World's Best New Artist - Leona Lewis
World's Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist - Lil Wayne
World's Best DJ - DJ Laurent Wolf

also see -> MTV Europe Music Awards | AMA Awards