Posted November 22, 200618 yr LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Kelly Clarkson took an early lead at the 2006 American Music Awards on Tuesday, winning both her nominations. Honors also went to a wide range of artists including Mary J. Blige, the Black Eyed Peas and Rascal Flatts. Clarkson captured trophies for pop/rock female and adult contemporary artist, awards given before the televised presentations began in a show strong on performances. Blige accepted the female soul/rhythm & blues artist award from surprise presenter Britney Spears. The newly single Spears looked sleek in a knee-length cream-colored frock and long blond hair. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was named favorite male soul/rhythm & blues artist. "I'm like a rookie in this music thing," he said. "This means a lot more than you think, man." Nickelback took home the trophy for pop/rock album. Dancehall artist Sean Paul was named favorite male artist in the category, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers were favorite group. They accepted their award via satellite from London, with bass player Flea beat-boxing as lead singer Anthony Kiedis thanked "the American people." The Black Eyed Peas captured the rap/hip-hop group trophy, and Eminem won favorite male rap/hip-hop artist. Among country honors, favorite female artist went to Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts was best group, and Tim McGraw's "Greatest Hits Volume 2" was favorite album. Shakira was named favorite Latin artist. 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 Nelly Furtado opted for a skin-tight white dress and stick-straight hair. Gwen Stefani made a stylish return to the music scene, performing the single "Wind It Up" from her forthcoming album, "The Sweet Escape." The new mom, wearing a skimpy sequined shift and a shoulder-length platinum bob, yodeled and rapped convincingly throughout the tune. Not to be outdone, rapper Jay-Z stepped out of retirement and back into the spotlight, accompanied by scantily clad dancers as he performed the single "Show Me What You Got" from his new record, "Kingdom Come." The vibe and the clothes were casual on the red carpet as the stars arrived. Chamillionaire, nominated for favorite 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." Some awards were announced off camera before the broadcast presentations. The American Music Awards honor 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. -CNN.com (Pictures To Follow Soon!)
November 22, 200618 yr I saw this yesterday and I was like Woooaahhh! when she appeared, I didn't see that coming... she looked absolutely stunning!!! She's back!!
November 22, 200618 yr Author ^^^ YEP! you can tell that she is trying to get back in the public eye again!
November 23, 200618 yr She does look fabulous, I'm looking forward to the comeback now, as we know she isn't doing mostly r n b.
November 23, 200618 yr She is now looking almost perfect again.. i would say she is about another stone away from looking just great ... i'm so happy she is back... hopefully the album will be done soon.. how many more months to wait!
November 24, 200618 yr We don't have dates for the new album yet, it is said that will be ready by Spring 2007, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
