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World Music Awards 2000
On May 10, 2000, Michael received the award as the 'Male Pop Artist of the Millennium' at the World Music Awards 2000 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. After all the performances and awards were given out, right at the end of the show, Prince Albert was invited on stage. "I am very pleased to present the 2000 Millennium Award to an artist who's music, generosity and unmatched showmanship, has leant colour and brightness to the 20th century. A thousand years from now when the history of popular music is examined, no single performer will be as remembered and celebrated as Michael Jackson!" Prince Albert continued to speak in length about Michael, his music and his humanitarian efforts.
Various clips were shown of Michael through the years to the song 'Childhood'. When the last clip of Michael in 'Ghosts' had finished, the camera panned to the stage and Michael's silhouette was clearly visible behind a white screen. 'Beat It' was played, and after a short while the screen lifted and Michael appeared walking forward through clouds of white smoke to centre stage. Prince Albert joined Michael on stage and presented the award. The crowd cheered with delight as Michael accepted it:
"Thank you very, very, much Prince Albert. I'm incredibly honoured to have been chosen to receive this award. I'd like to thank the World Music Award's and especially the fans. [At this point there were many screams from the crowd.] And you, you are the reason, you ARE the reason, why I continue to do what I do. I've been performing. [One fan shouted "I love you". Michael smiled.] I love you too. I love you. I've... I've been performing since I was 5 years old, so I haven't had what you call an ordinary life, but I've been blessed with so many extraordinary opportunities and so many wonderful, wonderful, friends, all over the world, that I wouldn't change a minute of it, REALLY. [Again Michael stopped to say "I love you more" to the fans.] And I am so proud to thank, I thank God, and I am so proud God gave me the gift of song, and the world gave me the opportunity to be heard through music. And it's because of moments like this I can say with all my heart, that I'm very proud to be an entertainer. And, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!"
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