Pop rappers the Black Eyed Peas were the big winners at the American Music Awards, but failed to turn up to claim their three awards at the ceremony, held in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (local time).

Pop singer Kelly Clarkson, rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers and country trio Rascal Flatts each won two prizes.

While diva Mariah Carey, whose commercial success has not translated into awards show acclaim, was snubbed yet again, despite scoring three nominations.

Canadian rock band Nickelback, another three-time nominee, won a single award.

Carey, 36, who was nominated for four awards last year and won one, was a no-show. The snub followed her zero for six score in 1997.

Winners the Peas and the Peppers also missed the event, sending in acceptance speeches from Costa Rica and London, respectively.

But Country trio Rascal Flatts and soul diva Mary J. Blige, both made it to the party.

The American Music Awards are a more populist version of the Grammys, which will take place in February.

The Black Eyed Peas won for favourite group in both the rap/hip-hop and soul/R&B categories, as well as favourite rap/hip-hop album for "Monkey Business." The Red Hot Chili Peppers won for favourite pop/rock group and alternative music artist.

Nickelback won for favourite pop/rock album with "All the Right Reasons," a chart-topping effort that was released just over a year ago. Frontman Chad Kroeger said he had expected the Chili Peppers "to clean the house tonight."

Rascal Flatts were named favorite country group, and also won the Text-In Award, determined live by text messages sent by the show's viewers.

Blige won for favourite female artist and favourite album ("The Breakthrough"), both in the soul/R&B categories. American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson won for favourite female pop/rock artist and favourite adult contemporary artist.

Actor Jamie Foxx picked up a statuette for favorite soul/R&B male artist to add to the Academy Award he won last year for his role as Ray Charles in "Ray."

"This means a lot more than you think," said Foxx, accompanied by his biological mother, whom he said he had not seen in years.

Another "American Idol" victor, Carrie Underwood, won the prize for breakthrough artist.

Performers included Gwen Stefani, who yodeled her way through a brand new song, "Wind It Up"; and country music outcasts the Dixie Chicks, who received loud applause for their socially conscious tune "Easy Silence." Veteran pop artist Lionel Richie brought the crowd to its feet when he dusted off his '80s hit "All Night Long."

Comedy host's K-Fed stunt

The event was held at the Shrine Auditorium. Nominees were drawn from top acts determined by retail sales and radio airplay, while winners were voted on by a random poll of about 20,000 record-buyers.

The ceremony was hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who earned a few laughs ridiculing wannabe rapper Kevin Federline, the estranged husband of Britney Spears, who presented an award.

In a stunt an actor resembling the self-styled "K-Fed" was lowered from the ceiling and placed in a box that was quickly sealed and carted off. The trek resumed on video where the box was shown being dropped into LA's harbour.

(China Daily 11/23/2006 page6)