LOS ANGELES (CP) - Vancouver-based band Nickelback was an early winner at the 2006 American Music Awards on Tuesday, taking home the trophy for best pop/rock album for "All the Right Reasons."
"This is extremely unexpected," marvelled lead singer Chad Kroeger, referring to the tough category that also included veteran rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers. "We just kinda showed up because we were supposed to give one of these away tonight," Kroeger said. "We thought for sure the Chilies were gonna just like clean house tonight."
Originally from Hanna, Alta., Nickelback was among the night's leading contenders, nominated in three categories. Other triple-nominees were Mariah Carey, hip-hoppers the Black Eyed Peas and the Chili Peppers. More than a dozen stars had double chances, including Kanye West, Eminem and Carrie Underwood.
Another Canadian, Nelly Furtado, also made an early appearance on the show, performing her new single "Say It Right" as smoke swirled around the stage.
The Black Eyed Peas captured the rap/hip-hop group trophy, and Eminem won favourite male artist in the rap/hip-hop category.
Among country honours, favourite female artist went to Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts was best group, and Tim McGraw's "Greatest Hits Volume 2" was favourite album.
Kelly Clarkson, nominated for pop/rock female and adult contemporary artist, won in both categories, which were presented before the televised show began.
Mary J. Blige accepted the night's first broadcast award, for female soul/rhythm and blues artist, from surprise presenter Britney Spears.
The newly single Spears looked sleek in a knee-length cream-coloured frock and long blond hair.
Talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the three-hour ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium, televised live on ABC, with a skit that placed Spears' ex, Kevin Federline, into a wooden crate dumped into the ocean. Kimmel cracked that Federline was the world's first "no-hit wonder."
Beyonce began the show, belting out her single "Irreplaceable" while vamping around the stage in a sparkly sequined minidress.
The Pussycat Dolls also chose sequins for their performance, while Furtado opted for a skin-tight white dress and stick-straight hair.
Other artists scheduled to perform included Rascal Flatts, Jamie Foxx and John Mayer. Jay-Z and Gwen Stefani were also set to perform new singles from their forthcoming albums.
The vibe and the clothes were casual on the red carpet as the stars arrived. Chamillionaire, nominated for favourite new breakthrough artist, wore a sleek brown suit and orange tie.
"This is the first time I've ever worn a tie, so this is big," he said. "It's just stepping out of the box a little bit. People expect me to wear a hoodie."
The American Music Awards honour the best in pop/rock, country, soul/rhythm & blues, rap/hip hop, Latin, alternative, adult contemporary and contemporary inspirational music. Nominees were chosen based on record sales and winners were selected by a survey of about 20,000 listeners.
Partial list of winners at the American Music Awards:
Pop-Rock:
Male artist: Sean Paul
Female artist: Kelly Clarkson
Band, duo or group: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: "All the Right Reasons," Nickelback
Soul-R&B:
Male artist: Jamie Foxx
Female artist: Mary J. Blige
Band, duo or group: The Black Eyed Peas
Country:
Female artist: Faith Hill
Band, duo or group: Rascal Flatts
Album: "Greatest Hits Volume 2," Tim McGraw
Rap/Hip-Hop:
Male artist: Eminem
Band, duo or group: The Black Eyed Peas
Adult Contemporary:
Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Latin Music:
Artist: Shakira
Contemporary Inspirational:
Artist: Kirk Franklin
http://www.canada.com/topics/entertainm … 23&p=2
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