ROBBIE WILLIAMS - WILLIAMS BEATS USHER FOR TOP GERMAN AWARD

ROBBIE WILLIAMS beat off competition from USHER and GEORGE MICHAEL to win the top honour at the German music industry's ECHO awards yesterday (02APR05) for the fourth consecutive year.

The outspoken British singer was named Best International Pop/Rock Male Artist - an honour based on CD sales in Germany, the world's fourth largest music market behind America, Japan and Britain.

Williams, who did not attend the Berlin ceremony in person, said, "Thanks for this. But it's kind of long (one metre high) and I think I'm going to have to cut off the top so it fits on my shelf."

American star ANASTACIA picked up Best International Pop/Rock Female Artist and enthused, "It's been a dream year for me."

The 2005 ECHO award winners are:

Best International Pop/Rock Male Artist - ROBBIE WILLIAMS

Best International Pop/Rock Female Artist - ANASTACIA

Best International Rapper - EMINEM

Best International Newcomer - KATIE MELUA

Best National Artist - ANNETT LOUISAN.