The show, which celebrates best selling artists from around the world, opened with Beyonce singing her new singles ‘If I were a boy’ and ‘Single Ladies’. She then went on to pick up a trophy for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, thanking her family and former Destiny’s Child bandmates - including Michelle Williams, who had stepped in at the last minute to co-host the ceremony after Denise Richards dropped out. Hosted by Jesse Metcalfe and former Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams - a broadcast of the ceremony is set to air in 160 countries around the world.
Mariah Carey flew in from London after an X Factor-filled weekend to pick up a Lifetime Achievement trophy and Ringo Starr thanked his “three buddies George, Paul and John”, saying he “had a lot of help I couldn’t have done it on my own” while picking up the Diamond Award.
But none of the other winning British artists flew in for the ceremony. Coldplay picked up awards for Best Selling Recording Act and Best Selling British Act; Leona Lewis for Best Selling Female Pop Artist and Best Selling New Artist; and Amy Winehouse for Best Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist - but all stayed away.
An inside source told the Sun: “The organisers are all very disappointed the British artists couldn’t come and celebrate their success but Coldplay and Leona had prior work commitments.
“Amy is obviously an amazing artist but she’s not in the best state to travel at the moment.
“Duffy was also meant to turn up but ended up having to stay in London after catching a cold in Liverpool at the MTV awards.
Reported by Unexpected.
