The French take back Katy Perry's award

Jan 19, 2009, 9:35 GMT

Katy Perry was forced to return an award she was mistakenly given in France. EPA/BRUNO BEBERT

Katy Perry was forced to return an award she was mistakenly given in France.

The singer was delighted when she won the Best International Song prize for her single 'I Kissed A Girl' at the NRJ Awards in Cannes, but was later asked to hand it back when organisers admitted the accolade should have gone to Rihanna for 'Disturbia'.

The ceremony's French host Nikos Alliagas told the audience: "We are terribly sorry, but we made a mistake. It wasn't Katy Perry who was supposed to pick up the Best International Song, but Rihanna with 'Disturbia'.

"We hope Rihanna and Katy Perry won't be too upset and we apologise to all the fans who voted for them. The wrong name was put in the envelope. We're really terribly sorry. Katy Perry will have to give her award to Rihanna."

'Disturbia' was playing when Katy climbed the stairs to receive the prize, but the presentation went ahead.

Although Katy was said to be upset by the mix up, she was soon smiling again when she legitimately won the Best International Album category for 'One Of The Boys'.

Accepting the accolade, a beaming Katy said: "You love me, you really love me!"

Other winners at the awards - which are voted for by listeners of national French radio station NRJ - included Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls and Enrique Iglesias.