Robbie and Madonna honoured in French music awards

Robbie Williams writhed, Shakira shouted and Madonna didn’t show up, although all three won honours at one of France’s biggest music awards shows.

Williams, voted best male international performer at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes last night, was uncharacteristically serious in his acceptance speech but put on a strong performance of his hit “Tripping.”

Madonna scored the best female international artist award but didn’t appear to accept it, disappointing the audience. At the 2004 show Madonna accepted a career award from Britney Spears and thanked French fans for two decades of support.

Shakira shouted “I love France!” in accepting the award for best international song, La Tortura. She charmed French rock veteran and ageing sex symbol Johnny Hallyday, who praised her successful melange of “sex and rock and roll.”

Bob Geldof praised the French for their “good taste” in granting him an honorary award for his organisation of the Live 8 concerts in July for fighting world poverty.

The show, organised by the NRJ radio station, grants awards for French and international stars.