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Brown Is Top Artist At American Music Awards

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2008

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 favorite male rap/hip-hop artist and favorite 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 favorite 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 favorite 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 honors.

"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 favorite pop/rock and soul/R&B album. Queen Latifah and opera singer Kathleen Battle joined Keys as she performed "Superwoman."

Rihanna was named favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Brown - her rumored boyfriend - won favorite male artist in those same categories.

The American Music Awards traditionally centers 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. Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.

Other winners included Brad Paisley for favorite country artist, Taylor Swift for favorite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favorite country favorite band, duo or group.

Fans chose the night's winners through online votes.

The Associated Press

Couple Keeps Up 'Amazing Race'

On a night where money woes and cabbie troubles plagued teams, Tampa business executive Tina Greene and her estranged husband, Ken, sailed through the Moscow leg of the "Amazing Race" on Sunday night.

No one was sent home on this non-elimination round. The Greenes were the second to arrive at the pit stop. Arriving first was mother-and-son team Toni and Dallas Ombimbo from Woodside, Calif. The brother-and-sister team, Nick and Starr Spangler, was third. Frat boys from Arizona State University, Andrew Lappitt and Dan Honigh, were fourth.

Ken and Tina sailed through learning a Russian military march and another task involving unloading 50 heavy bags of flour at a bakery. Ken, a former NFL player, handled that one.

Tina, who runs an executive recruiting firm, said she enjoyed the military march and Ken said she looked good in a uniform. The couple said they joined the race in an effort to patch up their strained marriage.

Ken said they had a rough start. Speaking of their relationship during the first part of the race, he said, "She didn't like me very well and I didn't like her. But we've calmed down and understand each other now." Through most of the episode they were holding hands and encouraging each other.

Walt Belcher

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