James Blunt outshone his rivals at the awards, picking up the prestigious title of World’s Best New Artist, beating Pussycat Dolls, KT Tunstall and Gnarls Barkley.

Blunt, 32, a former British Army officer, was also named Best-Selling British Artist at the ceremony at London’s Earls Court.

The singer-songwriter has topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic in the last, but his music has also been ridiculed, with Blunt voted the fourth most annoying thing in Britain.

The ceremony also saw Madonna, 48, cement her position as the Queen of Pop following criticism over her adoption of Malawian baby David Banda. She was named the World’s Best Pop Artist, beating nominees Robbie Williams and Justin Timberlake.

Canadian singer Nelly Furtado won World’s Best Pop/Rock Artist for her song Maneater.

Rockers Nickelback, who are also Canadian, beat Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to World’s Best Rock Group.

Former Destiny’s Child star Beyonce was crowned Best R&B Artist and Kanye West Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist.

Colombian pop star Shakira won World’s Best Latin Artist, French star Bob Sinclar the World’s Best DJ and Enya Best-Selling Irish Artist.

Tonight’s winners are the result of record sales compiled by the IFPI (International Federation of Phonographic Industries).

It is the first time the awards, now in their 18th year, have been held in Britain.

THE WINNERS

World’s Best Pop Artist
Madonna
Hung Up

World’s Best Pop/Rock Artist
Nelly Furtado
Maneater

World’s Best Rock Group
Nickelback

World’s Best R&B artist
Beyonce
Deja-Vu

World’s Best Rap/Hip-Hop artist
Kanye West
Touch The Sky

World’s Best Latin Artist
Shakira Hips
Don’t Lie

World’s Best DJ
Bob Sinclar
World Hold On

World’s Best New Artist
James Blunt

NATIONAL AWARDS

Best-selling British Artist
James Blunt

Best-selling Arabic Artist
Elissa

Best-selling German Artist
Tokio Hotel

Best-selling Irish Artist
Enya

Best-selling Italian Artist
Andrea Bocelli

Best-selling Russian Artist
Dima Bilan

Diamond Award
Michael Jackson

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