Mika, Akon, Avril, Rihanna score at WMAs (+photos)

Reuters

YOU GO, GIRLFRIEND: Canadian singer Avril Lavigne performs during the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo after picking up two major awards.

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Mika, Akon, Rihanna and Avril Lavigne were the big winners at the World Music Awards.
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Flamboyant singer Mika scooped four awards at the glitzy awards ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Mika won Male Entertainer of the Year, the World's Best-Selling New Artist, the World's Best-Selling Pop/Rock Male Artist and Britain's Best-Selling Artist.

Akon was celebrating after winning three awards. The hip-hop star's worldwide record sales secured him the R&B artist award - ahead of Fergie, Beyonce Knowles, Timbaland and Rihanna.

He was also crowned Africa's Best-Selling Artist and the World's Best-Selling Internet Artist.

Akon said: "You are witness to seeing me receive any kind of award for music the first time in my life."

Canadian singing legend Celine Dion and R+B superstar Patti LaBelle were both honoured at the star-studded ceremony.

Celine, who has sold a staggering 200 million albums worldwide, received the prestigious Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.v Monaco's Prince Albert, who presented Celine with the award, said: "Her contribution to music is as potent as her courageous voice. She soothes the world's hearts and create smiles of love across the face of the world."

Patti, whose career dates back to the 50s, was presented with the Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to R+B.

Patti, who wowed the crowd with a rendition of 'Lady Marmalade' said: "I love this show because it unites the world with music. It's not about making money, because I don't need money, but I need to sing."

Avril Lavigne, who thrilled fans with an energetic performance at the ceremony, saw off stiff competition from Nelly Furtado, Pink and Amy Winehouse to pick up the World's Best-Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist.

The Girlfriend singer was also named the Canada's Best-Selling Artist.

Rihanna - who also performed at the show - won Female Entertainer of the Year.

The Umbrella singer defeated chart rivals Beyonce and Shakira to be named the World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist.

Jennnifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony were both beaten to the World's Best-Selling Latin Artist by Mexican rock band Mana.

'Nip/Tuck' star Julian McMahon hosted the awards event, which honours artists based on worldwide album sales, as certified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

World Music Awards 2007 list of winners: