Coldplay have been confirmed as the world's top selling act of the moment at the World Music Awards in Monaco, the annual awards based on global record sales as provided by the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry.
Chris Martin et al won both the overall Top Selling Act prize as well as the award for Rock Act Of The Year, helped in no small part by their chart topping album 'Viva La Vida'. Other best sellers recognised at the awards include Leona Lewis, who was named Best Pop Female and Best New Act, and Amy Winehouse who won the Female Pop/Rock Award, making it quite a good night for British music.
Needless to say, the US was rather well represented also, with Kid Rock winning Best Pop Male, Alicia Keys R&B Artist, and Lil Wayne Best Hip Hop whilst Akon won the Biggest Internet Artist Of The Year prize.
Some special prizes were also handed out. An Outstanding Contribution prize went to Beyonce, who performed at the awards show, while Mariah Carey got a Special Achievement Prize and Ringo Starr picked up the Diamond Award, presented to artists who have sold over 100 million albums, on behalf of the Beatles - presumably he accepted the gong with lots of peace and love.