2006 World Music Awards

The 2006 (18th annual) World Music Awards were held in London, England and hosted by Lindsay Lohan on 15 November 2006.

Performances included a "Thriller" recreation by Chris Brown and a children's chorus rendition of "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson. The latter would end up being Jackson's final live performance (in fact, it was more a participation). Other performers included Andrea Bocelli, Beyoncé, Bob Sinclar, Dima Bilan, Elissa, Enya, Faithless, Katie Melua, Nelly Furtado, Rihanna, Tokio Hotel, and Suleman Mirza.

Presenters included Pamela Anderson, Natalie Imbruglia, Donatella Versace, Sugababes, Nicole Richie, Denise Richards and Brian McFadden.

The World Music Awards ceremony was televised in 160 countries including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, China, Africa and the Middle East. In the United Kingdom it was broadcast on Channel 4 on 23 November 2006. In the U.S., ABC is the traditional home of the World Music Awards, but in recent years they have moved to MyNetworkTV, which rebroadcast the 2006 show on 1 July 2009, due to that show's tributes to the recently deceased Michael Jackson.

Diamond Award
The Diamond Award honors those recording-artists who have sold over 100 million albums during their career. Past recipients include Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi. This year's recipient was Michael Jackson (awarded by Beyoncé). His most popular album, "Thriller" has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide since its release in 1982 - making it the best-selling album of all time.

Legend Award

 * For Outstanding Contribution to R&B music: Mary J. Blige

Classical

 * World's Best Selling Classical Artist: Domenico Tranchitella

DJ

 * World's Best Selling DJ: Bob Sinclar
 * Runners-up: Paul Oakenfold, Fatboy Slim, Shapeshifters and Deep Dish

Latin

 * World's Best Selling Latin Artist: Shakira
 * Runners-up: Daddy Yankee, RBD, Mana and Juanes

New

 * World's Best Selling New Artist: James Blunt
 * Runners-up: Carrie Underwood, Pussycat Dolls, KT Tunstall and Gnarls Barkley

Pop

 * World's Best Selling Pop Artist: Madonna
 * Runners-up: Robbie Williams, James Blunt, Shakira and Justin Timberlake

Pop Rock

 * World's Best Selling Pop Rock Artist: Nelly Furtado
 * Runners-up: KT Tunstall, Pink, Gwen Stefani and John Mayer

R&B

 * World's Best Selling R&B Artist: Beyoncé
 * Runners-up: Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Jamie Foxx and Chris Brown

Rap Hip Hop

 * World's Best Selling Rap Hip Hop Artist: Kanye West
 * Runners-up: Sean Paul, T.I., Busta Rhymes and Chamillionaire

Rock

 * World's Best Selling Rock Artist: Nickelback
 * Runners-up: Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day and Keane

Regional Awards

 * Best Selling Arabic Artist: Elissa
 * Best Selling Barbadian Artist: Rihanna
 * Best Selling Chinese Artist: Jay Chou
 * Best Selling German Artist: Tokio Hotel
 * Best Selling Irish Artist: Enya
 * Best Selling Italian Artist: Andrea Bocelli
 * Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist: Elissa
 * Best Selling Russian Artist: Dima Bilan
 * Best Selling U.K. Artist: James Blunt
 * Best Selling U.S. Artist: Madonna