Spice Girls Win Three Awards
The light and sassy Spice Girls used their trademark “girl power” to dominate the American Music Awards Monday night, winning three awards and beating out such heavyweights as U2 and The Wallflowers.
The Spice Girls, who were in Ireland preparing for a tour, ruled the pop-rock category, winning the best album award and being named favorite new artist and best group.
Although the all-girl British group has been slammed by critics, that doesn’t affect the American Music Awards, which are based on a national sampling of approximately 20,000 people.
The emotional centerpiece of the show came in a tribute for the ailing Frank Sinatra. His daughter, Nancy, accepted the special Award of Merit.
“I bring you greetings from the coolest guy on the face of the planet next to Puff Daddy - my daddy!” she said.
The three-hour show - broadcast on ABC - featured host Drew Carey and included live performances by Garth Brooks and Boyz II Men, named best soul/rhythm and blues group.
Alabama was named favorite country band, the group’s 20th American Music Award - the most for any artist.
“Thanks to all the fans, all the years,” said group member Randy Owen said.
Reba McEntire saluted her competitors while accepting her trophy for favorite female country artist.
“I do not take it for granted that you have nominated me along with two beautiful and talented women,” said McEntire, who beat out LeeAnn Rimes and Shania Twain. Julio Iglesias defeated his own son, Enrique, to win as favorite Latin artist.
“This is funny because you know when they tell you that your son is against you in competition, you feel a little like your brain is in another place because I adore my kids,” Iglesias said.
In the alternative category, Bush was named favorite artist, beating out the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Sublime.
George Strait won two awards, best male country artist and favorite country album for “Carrying Your Love with Me.”
Babyface showed his crossover appeal by winning best male artist in two categories - first soul/rhythm and blues and then pop-rock.
“This is another big surprise,” the singer said as he accepted his second award.
Erykah Badu was named favorite soul/rhythm and blues new artist.
“I’d like to thank the creator for giving my this gift to share with y’all,” said Badu, wearing her trademark turban, this one green.
Sinatra’s tribute included one by fellow crooner Tony Bennett, who showed black-and-white clips the singer going back to the 1940s.
Nancy Sinatra accepted the award for her 82-year-old father, who has not been seen in public since suffering a heart attack a year ago.
“When I left the house, Dad said ‘Give all the fans a hug for me, because they made me possible.’ So consider yourself hugged by the Chairman of the Board,” she said.
xxxx THE WINNERS Winners at Monday night’s American Music Awards:
POP-ROCK: MALE ARTIST: Babyface FEMALE ARTIST: Celine Dion BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Spice Girls ALBUM: “Spice,” Spice Girls NEW ARTIST: Spice Girls
SOUL-RHYTHM & BLUES MALE ARTIST: Babyface FEMALE ARTIST: Mariah Carey BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Boyz II Men ALBUM: “Share My World,” Mary J. Blige NEW ARTIST: Erykah Badu
COUNTRY MALE ARTIST: George Strait FEMALE ARTIST: Reba McEntire BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Alabama ALBUM: “Carrying Your Love With Me,” George Strait NEW ARTIST: Lee Ann Womack ADULT CONTEMPORARY ARTIST: Elton John
LATIN MUSIC ARTIST: Julio Iglesias
RAP-HIP HOP ARTIST: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
ALTERNATIVE ARTIST: Bush
SOUNDTRACK “Men in Black”