Three gongs for Mika at World Music Awards

British pop star Mika was a hit at the World Music Awards in Monaco early today.

The newcomer captured awards for best-selling new artist, best-selling male entertainer, best-selling pop/rock artist and best-selling British artist.

But struck down by laryngitis, he was unable to sing his runaway debut hit 'Grace Kelly', which makes reference to the Prince Albert of Monaco's mother, the Hollywood actress who became princess of the tiny principality upon her marriage in 1956.

Celine Dion, who has sold 200 million albums worldwide, received the highest accolade - the Legend Award - at the star-studded ceremony.

In presenting the honour, Albert gushed that Dion's voice "soothes the world's hearts and creates smiles of love across the face of the world".

Recalling her start as the youngest performer among 14 musical siblings, Dion, 39, dedicated the award to her family.

"Every time I go on stage, it's all of them going on stage with me," she said in her acceptance speech in English and French.

Dion then performed 'Taking Chances', the first single from her forthcoming album of the same name, to be released later this month.

The diva from Quebec already holds a World Music Awards prize for the world's best-selling female artist of all time, winning the so-called Diamond Award in 2004.

The show paid tribute to 63-year-old Patti LaBelle for her enduring contribution to R&B. LaBelle, whose career stretches back to the 1950s, had the entire audience, including the Prince, on their feet dancing to a rendition of 'Lady Marmalade'.

"I love this show because it unites the world with music; we need peace in the world," LaBelle said.

Senegalese-American hip hop artist Akon, who has been riding high on world charts, picked up prizes for best-selling R&B male artist, best-selling African Artist and best-selling internet artist.

Pop sensation Rihanna, a native of Barbados, was named entertainer of the year as well as best-selling pop female artist, while Canada's Avril Lavigne received awards for best-selling pop/rock female artist and best-selling Canadian artist.

Also taking the stage and receiving awards were Mexican rock band Mana (best-selling Latin group), Egyptian singer Amr Diab (best-selling Middle Eastern artist), Laura Pausini (best-selling Italian artist) and Cascada (best-selling German artist).

Julian McMahon, star of the American television series 'Nip/Tuck', hosted the event.

Award winners were based on worldwide album sales, as certified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which comprises 1,400 record companies in 75 countries.

The show was taped and will be broadcast later in 160 countries.

After three years of roaming, the annual show returned to Monte Carlo, where it had been staged since its creation in 1989. The awards were broadcast live from Las Vegas in 2004, then moved Los Angeles in 2005, and London last year.

Proceeds from a black-tie banquet and auction before the awards are to go towards building a hospital in the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan.