Rascal Flatts take top honor from fans at music awards

LOS ANGELES — The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rascal Flatts were double-winners Tuesday at the 2006 American Music Awards.

The Black Eyed Peas were named favorite group in the rap/hip hop and soul/rhythm & blues categories. Clarkson captured trophies for pop/rock female and adult contemporary artist, categories presented before the televised presentations began in the performance-filled show.

Red Hot Chili Peppers were named favorite alternative artist and favorite pop/rock group. Rascal Flatts won favorite country group and the T-Mobile Text-In award, which is chosen by fans.

Blige accepted the female soul/rhythm & blues artist award from surprise presenter Britney Spears.

The newly single Spears looked sleek in a knee-length cream-colored frock and long blond hair.

Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was named favorite male soul/rhythm & blues artist.

"I'm like a rookie in this music thing," he said. "This means a lot more than you think, man."

Foxx wore a white tuxedo and sat behind a grand piano to perform "Wish U Were Here" from his 2005 album, "Unpredictable."

Nickelback took home the trophy for pop/rock album. Dancehall singer Sean Paul was named favorite male artist in the category.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers accepted their awards via satellite from London, with bass player Flea beat-boxing as lead singer Anthony Kiedis thanked "the American people." The Black Eyed Peas also accepted their awards from abroad, thanking fans via satellite from Costa Rica.

Among country honors, favorite female artist went to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's "Greatest Hits Volume 2" was favorite album. Country singer and American Idol Carrie Underwood was named favorite new breakthrough artist.

Eminem was favorite male rap/hip-hop artist. Shakira won favorite Latin artist and Kirk Franklin captured the award for contemporary inspirational music.

"I know that a lot of people that say that they're Christians — you know, we don't always represent, and we don't always live it and we do sometimes some very stupid things, and you know we're not doing a good job," said Franklin, wearing blue jeans with a black velvet tuxedo jacket. "I want to make sure that when you see my life that it's a life that I'm gonna be proud of."