LOS ANGELES - Kanye West had nothing to complain about Sunday, as he picked up his first-ever American Music Awards and delivered a flawless, if subdued, performance of his new single, "Heartless."
West was a double winner, collecting trophies for favourite male rap/hip-hop artist and favourite rap/hip-hop album for his CD, "Graduation."
"I'd like to thank everyone who accepted me trying to break new boundaries in music," West said after his first win. "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."
Four years ago, West threw one of his first awards-show tantrums when Gretchen Wilson beat him for favourite new artist, beginning what has become somewhat of a tradition at awards shows -- the Kanye outburst. Not so this year -- he even offered his award for favourite male rap/hip-hop artist to Lil Wayne, saying it was more his year.
But the evening's big winner was 19-year-old Chris Brown, who won three awards, including artist of the year honours.
"I would've gave it to Coldplay," Brown said of the night's big prize. "I'm at a loss for words."
Besides West, other double winners included Rihanna and Alicia Keys. Keys' CD, "As I Am," was the favourite pop/rock and soul/R&B album. Queen Latifah and opera singer Kathleen Battle joined Keys as she performed her single "Superwoman."
Rihanna, who wore chains and a leather corset to perform "Rehab," was named favourite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Brown -- her rumored boyfriend -- won favourite male artist in those same categories.
The American Music Awards traditionally centres on its performances, and Sunday was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channelled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channelled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.
Pink's new track, "Sober," was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland. Also performing were the Jonas Brothers, the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay and Annie Lennox, who won the Award of Merit.
"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," Lennox said as she accepted the trophy from Justin Timberlake. "It's been an incredible journey. Music: my friend, my accompaniment through life."
Other winners included Brad Paisley for favourite country artist, Taylor Swift for favourite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favourite country favourite band, duo or group.
"I didn't really think that I had a chance at winning," Swift, 18, confessed backstage. "I can't believe that I did. I can't believe that the fans did that for me. Everybody on MySpace, they're the reason I am holding this award right now."
Fans chose the night's winners through online votes.
