Madonna Didn't Show Up at the NRJ Music Awards

While Robbie Williams made large twisting movements with his body and Shakira really yelled on the stage, Madonna didn't even show up, although all three won honors at one of France's biggest music awards shows.

Williams, who was voted best male international performer at the NRJ Music Awards on Saturday night, was uncharacteristically serious in his acceptance speech, but put on a strange and violent performance of his hit "Tripping."

Madonna scored the best female international artist award but didn't appear to accept it, disappointing the audience. At the 2004 show, Madonna accepted a career award from Britney Spears and thanked French fans for two decades of support.

Shakira shouted "I love France!" in accepting the award for best international song, "La Tortura." She charmed French rock veteran and aging sex symbol Johnny Hallyday, who praised her successful mélange of "sex and rock 'n' roll."

Bob Geldof praised the French for their "good taste" in granting him an honorary award for his organization of the Live 8 concerts in July for fighting world poverty.

The show was organized by the NRJ radio station and granted awards for both French and international stars.