Lewis a no-show at Mobo Awards

Singer Leona Lewis collected more boos than awards when she failed to turn up at the Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

Thu, 16 Oct, 2008 - 07:52

Singer Leona Lewis collected more boos than awards when she failed to turn up at the Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

Lewis, 23, picked up Best Album for the multi million-selling 'Spirit' at the star-studded awards ceremony as well as Best Video for 'Bleeding Love'.

There was loud booing after it was revealed she was not present to pick her awards up in person.

Lewis, who became the first British woman to reach number one in the US singles charts for more than 20 years, gave an acceptance speech by video for the Best Album award.

“Thank you so much. I’m so sorry I can’t be here with you tonight... I’m there in spirit with you all,” she said.

Sinitta accepted the Best Video award on Lewis’s behalf but could barely be heard above loud booing.

“I remember when Simon (Cowell) and I first discovered her and she goes from strength to strength... You should be proud of her,” she said.

Earlier in the night awards host Mel B had urged the audience: “Stop giving Leona Lewis a hard time you lot.

“It’s not her fault she can’t be here.”

Lewis was one of several stars who were booed by the audience when it was revealed that they could not personally pick up their awards.

One star who did attend was Estelle, who beat Lewis to Best UK Female and also took home Best Song for 'American Boy', on a night that saw British artists triumph.

Estelle, 28, had also been nominated for Best Album, R&B/Soul and Video.

The singer said she gave her awards to her mother adding: “She puts them on the shelf.”

Estelle and her US label boss John Legend completed the celebrations with a duet of new Legend track 'No Other Love'.

The ceremony at London’s Wembley Arena was hosted by the former Spice Girl and hip-hop artist Rev Run.

Rap star Dizzee Rascal was voted Best UK Male for the second year running.

Grime MC Chipmunk, 18, was crowned Best UK Newcomer and British saxophonist YolanDa Brown received the prize in the Best Jazz category.

American superstars were also honoured with Chris Brown, described as the “new Michael Jackson”, named as Best International Act and Best R&B/Soul.

Former Supreme Mary Wilson collected a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Motown to start the 50th anniversary celebrations of the record label that provided the soundtrack for an American generation.

Sugababes sang Supremes classic 'Stop! In The Name of Love with Wilson before leaving the stage to her to belt out 'Can’t Hurry Love, Come See About Me and Back In My Arms'.

Organisers said the 13th Mobo Awards followed one of the highest public votes ever.

Kanya King, founder and CEO of Mobo, said: “The Mobo Awards have continued to grow in strength for the past 13 years and I’m particularly delighted that British talent through artists such as Estelle and Leona receive the recognition they justly deserve.

“I hope that we can inspire a new generation of talent to follow their lead and fulfil their dreams to one day appear on our show.”

The BeMobo Award, which honours an individual or organisation making a difference in the community was handed to 26-year-old Ricky McCalla.

Mr McCalla, a former dancer and choreographer for pop acts, who had performed at the Mobo Awards three times, was shot in the back of the neck during a carjacking, organisers said.

He was forced to give up his career but mentors youngsters in south London away from crime and into music.

Mr McCalla has helped an estimated 300 people through his Frosted Ice organisation and the award highlighted the need for additional funds to carry on his work.

The night’s entertainment also saw Taio Cruz’s 'She’s Like A Star' mixed into Sugababes’ version of 'Girls'.

Estelle went solo for a medley of her hits before Flo Rida brought the house down with his track Low.

Guests were also treated to a surprise appearance from Craig David with Tynchy Stryder.

The full list of winners:

Best UK Female: Estelle

Best UK Male: Dizzee Rascal

Best UK Newcomer: Chipmunk

Best International Act: Chris Brown

Best Reggae: Mavado

Best Jazz: YolanDa Brown

Best Gospel: Jahaziel

Best African Act: 9ice