Daughtry, Underwood Big Winners At AMA's

Daughtry And Underwood Took Home 3 AMA's

"AMERICAN IDOL" alumni came out on top at the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS as DAUGHTRY, the band fronted by ex-"IDOL" loser CHRIS DAUGHTRY, shared the triple-winner spotlight with "IDOL" champ CARRIE UNDERWOOD. DAUGHTRY capitalized on its three nominations to win favorite pop-rock album for its self-titled debut, as well as breakthrough artist and adult contemporary artist honors.

"I want to make sure we thank the fans again because you guys made this all possible for us," the band's frontman said. Backstage, he explained that he was an artist before he got to "AMERICAN IDOL." "The show didn't make me who I am," he said. "It just gave me a chance to show everybody else who I am."

UNDERWOOD matched her three wins at the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS this month with three trophies SUNDAY: female country artist, country album for "Some Hearts," and the T-Mobile text-in award.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE was a long-distance winner, accepting by video from AUSTRALIA as his name was called for male pop-rock artist and in the soul/R&B album category for his "FutureSex/LoveSounds."

USHER presented the international artist award to BEYONCE, who was a featured performer, but did not win in any of her three competitive nominations. "I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and do what I love. I don't take it for granted," BEYONCE said.

In the rap/hip-hop categories, T.I. came up a double winner as male artist and for the album "T.I. vs. T.I.P." BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY was favorite group.

RASCAL FLATTS was named top country duo or group, TIM MCGRAW was top male country artist, AKON won favorite male soul/rhythm & blues artist and RIHANNA bested former "IDOL" FANTASIA to win favorite female soul/R&B artist.

CELINE DION performed her new song, "Taking Chances," and LENNY KRAVITZ sat at the piano to play his latest, "I'll Be Waiting." DURAN DURAN performed its new song, "Falling Down," as well as the old hit "Hungry Like the Wolf." FERGIE opened the show with a trio of songs from her debut album, then closed it by beating BEYONCE and AVRIL LAVIGNE to win pop-rock female artist. "I was a little girl with big dreams and tonight one of those big dreams came true," FERGIE said backstage.

Now in its 35th year, the AMA's honor pop-rock, country, soul-rhythm & blues, rap-hip hop, Latin, alternative, soundtracks, adult contemporary and contemporary inspirational music. Nominees were selected based on national sales and radio play. For the first time in show history, winners were chosen by public votes cast online.

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