International
Jackson artist of the century
LOS ANGELES, JAN. 10. In a night dominated by soul music's new generation, Alicia Keys, Destiny's Child and the late singer Aaliyah each won two American Music Awards.
Michael Jackson, the subject of a behind-the-scenes tussle between music's two biggest awards shows, accepted Artist of the Century award on Wednesday night. He didn't perform, though. The Country singer, Tim McGraw, won two awards, and his wife, Faith Hill, won one. Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash last summer, was named the favourite female soul artist. She also won best soul album, and the singer, Ginuwine, commanded a sombre ovation in accepting her award.
``Everybody stand up,'' he said.Ms Keys, whose debut disc ``Songs in A Minor'' was one of last year's top sellers, was named the favourite new pop artist and favourite new soul artists. She had been nominated for five awards, more than anyone else. ``This has been a fantastic year,'' said Ms Keys, whose soulful hit, ``Fallin','' dominated the airwaves over the summer. Destiny's Child, wearing matching brown suede, beat out 'N Sync and the Dave Matthews Band for favourite pop album. The trio was also named favourite soul group.
Country's husband-and-wife team were named favourite male and female artist. McGraw's ``Set This Circus Down'' was named favourite country album. The awards are a popularity contest based on music sales. India Arie, who received seven Grammy nominations last week, was shut out of the AMAs. 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake noted some audience grumbling when the quintet won favourite pop group over U2 and the Dave Matthews Band. ``Quit booing,'' he said. ``U2's going to get Grammys.''
Luther Vandross was named favourite soul artist for the sixth time. ``I never went away,'' he said, ``but I'm glad to be back.'' Recognising the sales punch of inspirational music, the AMAs started a category to honour it. The initial award went to Yolanda Adams, who raised the roof by singing ``Open Up My Heart.''
This year's ceremony had a racy tone: it featured Dick Clark wearing a dress, a bleeped expletive by host Sean ``P. Diddy'' Combs and a lewd reference by Janet Jackson to Lenny Kravitz's anatomy. Most of the night's attention was focused on someone who wasn't even among the nominees.
Mr. Jackson's scheduled appearance prompted the AMA producer, Clark, to sue the man in charge of the Grammys for $ 10 million in December. Mr. Clark alleged that C. Michael Greene, president of the Recording Academy, had threatened to deny Jackson an opportunity to perform at next month's Grammys if Jackson showed up at the American Music Awards. Mr. Clark claimed Mr. Greene has used such tactics for years to siphon talent from the AMA show, which always airs before the February Grammy telecast. Mr. Greene denied the charges. While Mr. Jackson accepted his award on ABC, he was shown performing ``You Rock My World'' on CBS, which was rerunning the Jackson concert special it first aired in November.
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