11/19/2007

Stacey Eisenberg

Beyonce and American Idols honored.

Last night, the American Music Awards showered attention and praise on American Idol musicians, with Carrie Underwood and Daughtry taking home the most awards. A bubbly Underwood won three awards: female country artist, country album for "Some Hearts," and the T-Mobile text-in award, reports the Associated Press.  
  
Daughtry, the band led by Idol loser Chris Daughtry, also won three awards. Both stars were incredibly gracious and humble in accepting their awards.  
  
Justin Timberlake, who won for male pop-rock artist and soul/R&B album for "FutureSex/LoveSounds," accepted his awards on video from his tour in Melbourne, Australia.  
  
Beyonce was awarded the International Artist of the year in a touching presentation by Usher, a video highlighting her incredible achievements as a recording artist, and an emotional, grounded and appreciative acceptance speech. The superstar entertainer said, "I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love. I don't take it for granted."  
  
Beyonce also wowed the audience with a country version of her hit song "Irreplaceable" as she performed with Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles. Other performances included Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Duran Duran, and Fergie.  
  
Other big winners included T.I., Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Akon, and Rihanna.  
  
Jimmy Kimmel, who is part of the writer's strike, returned to host the show, which had its basic script written before the strike began. But there were no writers to add in jokes about more current events. The Writers Guild would not allow him to write any jokes for the show either.  
  
He said in the opening of the show, "It may not look like it, but I'm striking right now in my heart," and he apologized to the crowd for all the "made-up crap."  
  
The show was still a success with Kimmel's humor and knock-out performances. This was the first time in history that all the winners were chosen by public votes cast online.