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Jonathan Ross claims he's not worthy of Music Industry Trust Award
Last updated at 09:34am on 03.11.09Jonathan Ross said he didn't feel worthy to collect the Music Industry Trusts' award because he was only doing something he was passionate about.
Honoured: Jonathan Ross poses with celeb friends Noel Gallagher and Russell Brand
He said: "I'm not fully confident I deserve this award because this honour is really just being given the chance to share something I'm passionate about, which is of course music. I'm incredibly fortunate."
Gallery: Music Industry Awards
His gong was presented by George Michael who made an off-the-cuff speech.
He said: "I've been thinking how I can put this - on my way from the Priory this evening - in the back of a lovely van - having been given day release."
The singer said he and Ross had many things in common and went back over 30 years.
He added: "We still have similar aspects, we both have our own hair, we're both on TV, we're both adored by the public and Press alike.
"And now we've got something else in common, we've both achieved the honour of a MITs award and that's something very much to be proud of."
But Ross joked with his friend on stage: "Wow, what a treat. George Michael, wow. I thought you were dead.
"And he's giving me a lift home, I can't believe my luck."
Holding his award to the crowd, Ross said: "It's shoddy, it's cheap-looking. Was it handcrafted by a 14-year-old in Taiwan?
"But it's what it represents and I'm touched and I don't feel worthy."
Noel Gallagher made a rare public appearance at the awards following the split of his band Oasis but he did not stop to speak to the Press.
But Ross's friend Russell Brand paid tribute to him: "They can't give that man enough awards. When will Pulitzer acknowledge him and those fools from Nobel?
"His musical knowledge is very diverse, he knows about everything. He's an encyclopaedia of a man, without having to go door-to-door selling."
A host of Ross's celebrity friends also left video messages congratulating him, including U2, Harry Hill, Sir Tom Jones, Will Smith, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Cheryl Cole and Bjork.
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Reader views (13)
In Island Records' 50th anniversary year, this award should have gone to its founder, Chris Blackwell - the man who brought us Bob Marley, U2, Jimmy Cliff, Roxy Music and so many more massively influential artists.
Instead, for the sake of publicity, it goes to Ross. Whatever you may think of him as a TV/Radio presenter, his contribution to music pales in comparison to that of Chris Blackwell.
- Jck, london, uk
Annoying and talentless come to mind and definitely worthy of nothing.
- Jerry Heath, Brighton, England
What first class role models for our young .
- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD
Has j.r got some hold on the bbc.
i cringe every time i hear his name. just what do the BBC think we want. please tell them its not him.
- Terence Mccarthy, South Africa
I've got 50p he can have. That's about his worth (if a little on the high side, but I'm feeling generous).
- Mikey Parkinson, London
Rob, London: Absolutely right. We are public sector office workers bored beyond belief and surfing till home time (5 more mins should do it - flexitime don't you know). But, as to Wossy, He's right. He ISN'T worthy.
- Peace Maker, Battersea
He's right. He ISN'T worthy.
- P'D Off Pensioner, London'UK
Blimey.....do you guys just scour websites every day to make sure you can leave a daily whinge somewhere?
He may not be everybodies cup of tea these days, for various reasons, but he knows his music and that's what he's being awarded for here.
- Rob, London
The only thing worth watching on the BBC are programmes such as Planet Earth and Life etc, I would rather save myself the £142.50 on the license and buy these on DVD.
- David, London
Yep, he's not worth anything.
- Sarahn, London, UK
How "Wight" he Is
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh UK
The only award Ross deserves is the sack form the BBC never to appear on our screens again
- Strongbow Sullivan, Paris,France.
I agree with Ross; he is not worthy of anything.
- Mickinlondon, london
