Irish singer Enya beat off competition from Britney Spears and Dido to pick up the world's best-selling female award at the World Music Awards in Monaco.

Enrique Iglesias, Shaggy and Alicia Keys were also among the many winners at the lavish event presented on behalf of Prince Albert of Monaco.

Iglesias won two awards on Wednesday night - world's best-selling pop male artist and best-selling male Latin star.

Brits winner Dido did win three awards for best-selling British artist, pop female and adult contemporary but was absent from the event.

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and Shaggy hosted the event

Enya also won three awards as did Destiny's Child.

Host Shaggy did not leave empty handed, picking up the world's best-selling male artist gong, beating the likes of Robbie Williams and Michael Jackson.

Alicia Keys continued her winning streak by picking up the best-selling R'n'B award, fresh from winning five Grammys.

Kylie Minogue performed at the ceremony at International Sporting Club in Monte Carlo before being awarded the best-selling Australian artist gong.

Ja Rule won best-selling rap artist, beating Eminem and Jay-Z.

Legend

Andrea Bocelli walked away with the best-selling classical artist award, triumphing over Charlotte Church and Russell Watson, as well as getting recognition for his work in his home country of Italy.

Singing star Alizee was the best-seller for France while Kristina Orbakaite won the Russian award.

The best-selling German group was No Angels and Michael Cretu was presented with the country's individual award.

Alicia Keys added to her awards haul

The Swiss battle was won by DJ Bobo while singer Nicholas Tse represented China as a winner.

Soul diva Gloria Gaynor was presented with the Legend Award by Prince Albert, the event's patron.

The ceremony was hosted by reggae singer Shaggy and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, and presenters included Naomi Campbell, Sonique and star of TV series ER, Eriq la Salle.

The show, which honours the best selling recording artists from around the world, is broadcast in more than 160 countries.