WMA Review from Monaco

We dropped in on the World Music Awards at Le Sporting. What can we say? What a party!

The music may not be what would be found on our iPod – if we owned such a device (and such a statement might just betray what an old fogie I am) – but oh my, what a party! All these current and legendary chart toppers performing in the intimacy of the Le Sporting's Salle des Etoiles made for a fabulous evening.

The award show itself was preceded by a dinner and auction, with funds going to build a hospital in the conflict-plagued Darfur region of western Sudan.

Someone agreed to shell out some US$15,000 for one of the giant replicas of the awards that decorated the hall. Among other items on offer was a day in the studio with hip hop and R&B singer Akon. Hearing only, shall we say, conservative bids from the tuxedoed and bejewelled dinner guests, Akon leapt to the stage and showed he could do more than just sing. Putting on quite a salesman act, he reminded the patrons he was also a record producer, so the lucky bidder could find some big-name artiste in the studio with him, or could bring along some young hopeful. It worked. The Akon lot brought the highest takings of the evening, close to US$30,000.

Newcomer Rihanna started the show on an exuberant note with her infectious Umbrella. What a conquest for the 19-year-old Bajan, to come to Monte Carlo and be named entertainer of the year, and be looked upon as the undisputed belle of the soiree in her head-turning green satin number.

Celine Dion (who was hailed for selling 200 million records), Avril Lavigne, Akon, Ciara and 50 Cent (on video), Patti LaBelle (accompanied by Shaggy), Italy's Laura Pausini, Mexican rock band Mana and Egyptian singer Amr Diab all put on a good show.

LaBelle, who was seated at the princely table, was charmed. On stage as she accepted an award for her contribution to R&B, the legendary diva thanked Prince Albert II of Monaco for hosting the event in his country. "Isn't he cute," she declared. From where we stood, we could not see the princely visage, but we'd bet anything it was right royally flushed. Link to full article

Link to WMA 2007 clip