Eminem started his year off by winning four awards at the American Music Awards, handed out Monday. He wasn’t in attendance however to pick up the trophies for Best Pop/Rock Artist, Best Pop/Rock Album, Best Hip Hop/R&B Artist, and Best Hip Hop/R&B Album.

His 8 Mile co-star Mekhi Phifer accepted one award on his behalf and relayed his acceptance speech to the audience while speaking to the rapper on the phone.

Ashanti, who lead all artists with five nominations, captured two awards: Best New Pop/Rock Artist and Best New Hip Hop Artist.

Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly Osbourne hosted the show, but much of what they said was inaudible because like they do in their television show, they repeatedly swore. They were censored at least seven times in the first minute and it was difficult to make out what they were saying.

Sharon poked fun at the much publicized breakup of pop singers Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.

?Why aren?t you two together?? she asked, as both singers, who were seated in the front row but not next to each other, laughed. Kelly then sat on Timberlake?s lap, while her brother Jack sat on Spears?.

In addition to hosting, Kelly performed her single, ?Shut Up.? Sharon sat on ?N Sync member Joey Fatone?s lap and Ozzy took a seat on the floor to watch their daughter perform.

Mariah Carey, who performed with a stage full of backup singers and musicians, was announced as the number one selling female artist of all time.

Elton John and Tim McGraw opened the show by performing John?s classic ?Tiny Dancer,? a song that McGraw recently covered.

Christina Aguilera performed ?Impossible? and ?Beautiful,? with the help of former 4 Non Blondes member Linda Perry on piano. Actor David Spade said she is appearing ?for the first time in public with her clothes on,? as he introduced her.

Shania Twain surprised the balcony when she climbed a staircase to great the second level during the medley of ?Going Up? and ?Gonna Getha Good.?

Other performances included the unenthusiastic Matchbox Twenty, B2K, Nickelback, Ja Rule with Bobby Brown, Kenny Chesney, Missy Elliott, and Toby Keith with Willie Nelson.

Creed and the Dixie Chicks, who both did not attend, received two awards each.

Sheryl Crow made it no secret that she is against war when accepting her award for best Female Pop/Rock Artist. Her shirt read ?war is not the answer? and she asked in her speech for ?peace this year.?

Martina McBride received the award for Best Country Female Artist. Carolyn Dawn Johnson of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada was named Best New Country Artist.

Avalon accepted the award for Best Contemporary Inspirational Artist. One member said, ?I know you don?t know who we are, but thanks anyway.?

The Spiderman soundtrack was the runaway winner of Best Soundtrack, lead by ?Hero? by Nickelback?s Chad Kroeger.

Aimee Osbourne was supposed to present an award with Justin Timberlake but mysteriously was a no-show. The Osbourne who elected to stay out of the spotlight and off ?The Osbournes? television show, was replace by mother Sharon.

Destiny?s Child member and solo singer Beyonce, with a new straight blonde hairstyle, shared presenting duties with sister Solange Knowles.

Alabama received the Award of Merit.






Related Stories: