
Sunday (11/18) was an historic night for "American Idol" as two former contestants-- Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry --took home three American Music Award prizes each during a ceremony at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre.
Daughtry, whose band Daughtry produced the fastest-selling debut rock record of all time, won AMAs in the favorite adult contemporary artist category, favorite pop or rock album, and favorite breakthrough artist.
"We realize no matter how good our music may be, you guys make us who we are," said Daughtry, surrounded by his band. "We hope to have your support in years to come."
"American Idol" winner Underwood--last year's AMA breakthrough artist--snagged trophies for favorite female artist country, favorite country album for "Some Hearts" and the T-Mobile Text-In Award. She thanked fellow musicians for "making great music and making me so proud to be a part of it."
Justin Timberlake brought home a pair of prizes. The pop star, who accepted his awards via videotape from Australia, was honored with favorite soul/R&B album for "FutureSex/LoveSounds" and favorite pop or rock male artist. Rapper T.I. was a two-time winner as well, with wins in the favorite rap/hip-hop artist and album categories.
Other winners included: Akon (favorite male soul/rhythm and blues artist); Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (favorite rap/hip-hop band, duo or group); and Fergie (favorite female pop or rock artist). The complete list of winners is included below.
Usher presented Beyonce with the international artist award, making her the first female artist to receive that honor; past winners include Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Aerosmith.
"I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love," Beyonce said. "I don't take it for granted. I'm so grateful, so honored and so humbled by this award."
Fergie opened the show with a trio of songs from her debut solo album "The Dutchess," followed by her Black Eyed Peas compadre Will.I.Am and his protege the Pussycat Dolls' former lead singer Nicole Scherzinger. Avril Lavigne, introduced by OneRepublic, sang the disjointed "Hot." Rascal Flatts quickly followed Lavigne with "Take Me There." Joe Jonas of The Jonas Brothers tripped over a prop while entering the stage, but the mounds of girls in front of the stage didn't seem to care--two fans who jumped on the stage were escorted off.
Other performers included Maroon 5, Celine Dion, Rhianna with Ne-Yo, and Duran Duran. The highlight of the show was a mash up of Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" featuring the R&B singer with country group Sugarland.
This year was the first time the American Music Awards winners were chosen by the public, who made their choices online.
Pop or Rock: Favorite Male Artist
Justin Timberlake
Pop or Rock: Favorite Female Artist
Fergie
Pop or Rock: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Nickelback
Pop or Rock: Favorite Album
Daughtry, "Daughtry"
Country: Favorite Male Artist
Tim McGraw
Country: Favorite Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Country: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Country: Favorite Album
Carrie Underwood, "Some Hearts"
Soul/R&B: Favorite Male Artist
Akon
Soul/R&B: Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna
Soul/R&B: Favorite Album
Justin Timberlake, "FutureSex/LoveSounds"
Rap/Hip-Hop: Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
Rap/Hip-Hop: Favorite Male Artist
T.I.
Rap/Hip-Hop: Favorite Album
T.I., "T.I. vs. T.I.P."
Adult Contemporary Music: Favorite Artist
Daughtry
Latin Music: Favorite Artist
Jennifer Lopez
Alternative Rock Music: Favorite Artist
Linkin Park
Contemporary Inspirational Music: Favorite Artist
Casting Crowns
Soundtracks: Favorite Album
"High School Musical 2"
Favorite Breakthrough Artist
Daughtry