This year’s American Music Awards proved to be anything but a disappointment for Kanye West.
The rapper/producer was among the winners as he took home awards for favorite rap/hip-hop album for Graduation and favorite rap/Hip-Hop male on Sunday (November 23).
“I’d like to thank everyone who accepted me trying to break new boundaries in music,” said West, who encouraged his fellow entertainers to elevate their talents to create music that rivals the classic material of the 1960’s. “It’s our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other. … We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis.”
As he returned to the stage to accept his second award, West decided to give the honor to a more deserving nominee.
“I really appreciate these two awards. I want to give this award to Wayne for this year,” the rapper said. “If it was last year, it would have been my award. This year, it’s Wayne’s award. We’ll see what happens next year.”
Despite West’s double recognition, the night’s big winner was R&B crooner Chris Brown, who collected AMAs for artist of the year, favorite pop/rock male artist and favorite soul/R&B artist.
Other multiple winners included Alicia Keys, who received favorite pop/rock and favorite soul/R&B album honors for her latest release As I Am and Rihanna who garnered the awards for favorite pop/rock and favorite soul/R&B female artist.
“I’m very, very shocked and proud to be here,” said Keys, who dedicated her second award to all the superwomen and her first award “to all the incredible artists who are here tonight and who show their artistry.”
In addition to West and Rihanna, the AMAs included performances from show opener Christina Aguilera, Pink, New Kids on the Block, Beyonce, Leona Lewis, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, Sara McLaughlin, the Pussycat Dolls, Ne-Yo, Annie Lennox and Mariah Carey.
Keys also took the stage to close the show as she brought out Queen Latifah and opera singer Kathleen Battle for “Superwoman.”
The following is the list of winner’s for this year’s American Music Awards: Artist of the Year: Chris Brown Pop-Rock: Male artist: Chris Brown Female artist: Rihanna Band, duo or group: Daughtry Album: As I Am, Alicia Keys
Soul-R&B: Male artist: Chris Brown Female artist: Rihanna Album: As I Am, Alicia Keys Rap-Hip-Hop: Male artist: Kanye West Band, duo or group: Three 6 Mafia Album: Graduation, Kanye WestCountry: Male artist: Brad Paisley Female artist: Taylor Swift Band, duo or group: Rascal Flatts Album: Carnival Ride, Carrie Underwood Adult Contemporary: Jordin Sparks Alternative Rock: Linkin Park Latin: Enrique Iglesias Contemporary Inspirational: Third Day Soundtrack Album: Alvin and the Chipmunks T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award: Jonas Brothers Award of Merit: Annie Lennox
