| WMA 2000 Acceptance Speech
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World Music Awards 2000
May 10, 2000 (Monte Carlo, Monaco)
Michael Jackson received the 'Male Artist Of The Millennium' award at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo. He accepted the award personally and was introduced by Prince Albert of Monaco.
As you can see, Michael showed the world once again that he knows how to dress! Hehe |
Prince Albert:
Thank you very much. I am very pleased to present the 2000 Millennium Award to an artist whose music, generosity and unmatched showmanship has lent 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 as celebrated as Michael Jackson.
(Screams from the audience, applause)
It's rare for a child performer to make a successful transition to an adult career, and it's rarer still that career to take off into the stratosphere as Michael's did.
During his 37 years in the spotlight Michael has made extraordinary contributions to music. His landmark album 'Thriller' remains the largest selling album in history. His ground breaking use of film has set the standard by which all music videos are judged.
And, at the close of the century, he has sold more records around the world than any single artist in the history of the medium. But Michael's lifetime accomplishments go well beyond the recording industry. His work as a selfless humanitarian is well known throughout the world. His influential song 'We Are The World' and his international 'Heal The World Foundation' are just two of his many charitable efforts that have raised millions of dollars for hundreds of important causes.
Simply put, Michael Jackson's influence on entertainment, on charity and, in fact, on our entire culture is absolutely immeasurable. As we enter the 21st century we can look forward to even more outstanding achievements in music and feature films from this incredibly talented artist. It's been a privilege to witness Michael's dazzling journey over the years which has transformed him from a singer to a superstar and from a charming little boy to a dignified man.
(Video intro to 'Childhood' and 'Beat It'. Michael Jackson's shadow appears behind a white curtain. The curtain goes up and Michael glides forward on a little catwalk. Then he walks on stage wearing a head microphone. He shakes hands with Prince Albert.)
Prince Albert: It's an honour and privilege to present the 2000 Millennium Award to Michael Jackson.
(Prince Albert hands the award over to Michael Jackson.)
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Michael:
Thank you very, very much Prince Albert.
(Prince Albert walks off stage.)
I'm incredibly honoured to have been chosen to receive this award. I'd like to thank the World Music Awards and especially the fans.
(Screams from the crowd.)
And you are the reason...you are the reason, why I continue to do what I do. I've been performing...
(A fan shouts: "I love you!" Michael smiles.)
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.
(The fans again make noise.)
I love you more! 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!
(Michael leaves the stage to the sounds of 'Beat It'.)
MORE SPEECHES
BACK TO 'EDUCATE YOURSELF'
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Michael & Prince Albert
Prince Albert was obviously proud to give Michael this award :-) Wouldn't we all?
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