Dion, Lavigne score trophies at World Music Awards

Last Updated: Monday, November 5, 2007 | 12:04 PM ET

CBC News

Canadians Céline Dion and Avril Lavigne were feted in Monte Carlo on Sunday, as the annual World Music Awards celebrated the bestselling musical acts around the globe.

Quebec diva Dion was honoured with the Legend Award for her outstanding contribution to music, an accolade she adds to previous World Music Award trophies, including bestselling female artist of all time and its Diamond Award.

Monaco's Prince Albert praised Dion as a voice that "soothes the world's hearts and creates smiles of love across the face of the world."

Dion, who dedicated the award to her family, including her 13 musical siblings, also took the stage to perform Taking Chances — the titular single of her upcoming new album.

Fresh off prominent wins at the MTV Europe Music Awards last week, Ontario-born pop-punk singer Lavigne picked up two more trophies at Sunday's ceremony. She scored awards for bestselling pop/rock female artist and was named the bestselling artist for the region of Canada.

The evening's top winner was British pop star Mika, who netted five honours, including in the new artist, male entertainer, pop/rock male artist and U.K. artist categories.

Popular Senegalese-American hip-hop artist Akon was also a multiple award-winner, triumphing as best male R&B artist, internet artist and artist from Africa.

Other winners included:

Pop Female – Rihanna
Entertainer of the year – Rihanna
Regional Award, U.S. – Justin Timberlake
Regional Award, Australia – Silverchair
Regional Award, China – Jay Chou
Regional Award, Ireland – U2
Regional Award, Middle East – Amr Diab
Regional Award, Spain – Miguel Bose.

The evening, hosted by actor Julian McMahon, also featured a tribute to U.S. musical icon Patti LaBelle, honoured with a Legend Award for her outstanding contribution to the R&B genre.

Winners of the World Music Awards are determined by worldwide albums sales, based on information collected by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

With files from the Associated Press

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