MOBO magic

THE red carpet is being hoovered, the champagne glasses are being polished and the bling necklaces are coming out of the jewellery box.

That's Because tomorrow night the celeb-packed MOBO Awards finally arrive in Glasgow.

The Music of Black Origin awards ceremony at the SECC will boast the most glittering line-up of stars Glasgow has ever seen.

And the latest star confirmed is Kelly Rowland, former member of Destiny's Child, while the biggest celeb on the red carpet will be Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine, 54.

As first revealed in the Evening Times he'll lead a tribute to his late brother in a number set to grab headlines around the globe.

Dazzling dance troupe Diversity, who stole the Britain's Got Talent crown from Susan Boyle, and finalist Shaheen Jafergoli, 12, the schoolboy chosen to sing at Jacko's memorial - will join in.

Plus Michael's sister LaToya, best-known for her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother when she made friends with Scots former politician Tommy Sheridan, will introduce the dedication.

MOBO founder Kanya King said: "Glasgow's not going to know what's hit it!

"We can't believe how excited people are about coming. People like LaToya who've never been to Scotland before - she's arranged to stay another day so she can visit, go shopping and do a helicopter ride over Loch Lomond. Jermaine arrives today and we've got a lot of activities planned for him.

"Most of the British acts are stars. They are the ones selling albums and outselling a lot of the international stars. Lets not underestimate them."

Today Kanya will visit Holyrood Secondary School in Glasgow to meet pupils who have won tickets through school dinner firm Cordia.

The show will be screened live on BBC Three with highlights on Friday on BBC1. It is being hosted by Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates with Peter Andre reporting from backstage.

Nominees include chart-topping rapper Tinchy Stryder, pop trio N-Dubz and teenage girls' favourites JLS will also perform.

However, despite organisers promising to attract some of the Best International Act nominees to Glasgow, just one is attending.

Out of a field which includes superstar songstress Beyonce, her husband Jay-Z, rapper Eminem, zany performer Lady Gaga and chart-topping singer Mariah Carey, only American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson is coming. Last year's big winners Leona Lewis and rapper Dizzee Rascal have also snubbed the show.

The event is a near sell-out with only a handful of single seats left and the SECC says fans are coming from all over the UK for the event.

Economists say it will boost Glasgow's economy by £3.6million, with many hotels fully booked.

Other names also confirmed include DJ David Guetta and British singers Taio Cruz, VV Brown and Lemar. Skins actor Luke Pasqualino, Pirates of the Carribean actress Naomie Harris, champion heptathalon athlete Jessica Ennis and world champion boxer Amir Khan will also walk the red carpet.

Plus Glasgow University medical student Emelie Sande, who co-wrote and sang on teenage rapper Chipmunk's double-nominated song Diamond Rings, will get her moment in the spotlight.

And the stars will make a grand entrance. Loch Lomond Seaplanes will land one group of mystery guests on the River Clyde, while Charing Cross-based West Coast Harley Davidson are supplying two bikes worth up to £18,500 for pop trio N-Dubz to zoom in on.

Scots music fans are thrilled the event is happening here.

Glasgow University Student Jonathan Glass, 20, from Greenock, said: "It's great the MOBOs are in Glasgow as it gives people the chance to go to an award ceremony you wouldn't normally be able to. I think the Jermaine Jackson tribute will be something to tell people about."

Caroline Crossan, 41, from Balloch, is taking her 11-year old daughter Rebekah and said: "She's really excited to see JLS, Diversity, Keri Hilson and Chipmunk."

Staff at the west of Scotland's plushest hotels are busy fluffing the pillows in the expensive suites where the stars will lay their heads.

One Devonshire Gardens at Hotel Du Vin in the city's West end, Mar Hall Hotel & Spa in Bishopton and Cameron House on Loch Lomond are likely to be the main boltholes.

Other hotels across the city are set to be full tonight, according to Mark Gallagher from the Greater Glasgow Hotels Association. The City Inn, Menzies, Crowne Plaza, and Marriot are among those which are packed out.

Mr Gallagher said: "It's going to be very profitable for the hotels and it's a great kudos to have the awards in Glasgow."

Record industry bigwigs are expected to attend and they'll sit at £3500 VIP tables on the floor of the SECC, with 7000 fans sitting around the edge of the arena.

The Corinthian on Ingram Street is tipped for the star-studded aftershow party, while unofficial MOBO-related events are being held at Byblos on Albion Street, Karbon on Buchanan Street and The Karibu Club on Hope Street. Jay-Z Lady Ga-ga LaToya Jackson Beyonce JLS AWARDS BY NUMBERS 7000 screaming fans expected 12 awards 30 celeb guests 350m worldwide audience via TV, internet and press £3.6million for Glasgow economy 1 official aftershow party

TOMORROW'S TIMINGS: 6pm star arrivals 8.30-10.30pm awards show 9-11pm coverage on BBC Three TV