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Shirley Bassey receives special award for outstanding contribution to music |
Dame
Shirley Bassey was awarded a special award for outstanding contribution to music
at a star-studded ceremony which took place at London's Carling Apollo in
Hammersmith.
The National Music Awards is one of the biggest night's in the television
calendar featuring exclusive live performances plus special guests who are among
music's favourite names.
The special award was a surprise addition to the awards
ceremony. Dame Shirley Bassey attended the show to receive the award and
performed live to a rapturous applause. People who were at the show said that
Shirley simply "stole the show." Highlights from the evening were shown on 12th
November on ITV1.
To view all the images together go to the
Photo Gallery.
| Simon
Cowell Introduces Shirley |
National Music Awards presenter
Amanda Holden introduces Simon Cowell as the presenter.
Simon:
Ladies and gentlemen, the recipient of this award is a living legend. She was
discovered by the band leader Jack Hylton in 1955 and made her chart debut in
1957.
Her success continued throughout the rest of the sixties, and right up to to the
present day. She is a mother and a grandmother, and a patriotic supporter of her
Welsh homeland (audience cheers).
If you wanted to describe this lady in one word, it's very simple.
She is a diva.
There followed a cleverly edited series of archived introductions clips from
various TV hosts over the years, with the opening bars of Diamonds Are Forever
played in the background.
Jimmy Tarbuck: There is a much used word in show business - it's called "star".
Morecambe and Wise: And what a star!
Michael Parkinson: One of the most successful and charismatic performers we've
ever produced.
Gloria Hunniford: She always looks simply stunning on stage. And quite honestly
I wish I could be let loose in her wardrobe for a while.
Russell Harty: She's delicious, she's dangerous.
Terry Wogan: The one and only...
Jimmy Tarbuck: Miss Shirley Bassey!
Then archive footage of Shirley singing Diamonds Are Forever and This Is My
Life, with a series of short clips of her appearances on various TV shows over
many years. Including Les Dawson, the broken steps sketch from the
Morecambe and
Wise Christmas Show, the Welsh Flag kaftan, Graham Norton, etc.
Simon: Ladies and Gentlemen, Shirley Bassey!
| Shirley
Receives Her Award |
Then Shirley walks on stage to a tumultuous reception and fireworks. The
orchestra playing the opening bars of Goldfinger, developing into a fanfare.
She
wore a gold dress and train. Hair up over her ears in her new natural style,
with drop earrings. She bowed deeply to the vast and rapturous audience, beaming
with joy.
Shirley (kissing Amanda but not Simon): Oh thank you for that wonderful,
wonderful welcome. Thank you. This has been a terrific year for me. Fantastic
year, because I am celebrating fifty years in show business. (Applause)
And they told me I'd never make it (giggles).
I want to thank you, the people, for this award because you listen to music, you
come to the shows, you buy the records.
So I want to thank you very much (holding up the award) for voting me for...
(Overwhelming applause)
Amanda: Would you like Shirley to sing a song for us...?
(Shirley points and walks off to centre stage).
Ladies and Gentlemen, Shirley Bassey. Mr Simon Cowell.
Well that's it. Thanks to all our winners and everyone who's helped to make this
a very special night. We'll all be here again next year when we'll be announcing
your favourites in the National Music Awards 2004.
| Shirley
Performs Goldfinger |
Now, singing
Goldfinger as only she can, the winner of the National Music
Special Award for 2003 for Outstanding Contribution to Music, Shirley Bassey.
Goodnight.
Deafening applause as Shirley performs a classic version of
Goldfinger . A full
orchestra, sensational blue and gold lighting and well rehearsed camera shots.
The event closes as Shirley receives another standing ovation.
Thank you to Peggy for her help with the report.
Article
From We Love Telly, Nov 8 2003 |
Thanks to Mikey Mike for sending me this article.
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Dame
Shirley Bassey was awarded a special award for outstanding contribution to music
at a star-studded ceremony which took place at London's Carling Apollo in
Hammersmith.
The National Music Awards is one of the biggest night's in the television
calendar featuring exclusive live performances plus special guests who are among
music's favourite names. )
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