Alabama, Spice Girls bag US music awards

Host Drew Carey opened the show by promising to say no jokes about President Bill Clinton’s sex scandal, but immediately failed to keep that vow, cracking an off-colour joke to open the ceremonies at the Shrine auditorium.

Boyz II Men and Reba Mcentire saluted their competitors while accepting their trophies. “This means an awful lot to me,” said Mcentire after being named favourite female country artist. “I do not take it for granted that you have nominated me along with two beautiful and talented women,” she said, referring to Leann Rimes and Shania Twain.

In accepting the award for soul/rhythm and blues favourite, Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris said, “We are going toaccept this on behalf of Boyz II Men and Dru Hill.”

The Spice Girls, who were in Ireland, were named best band, duo or group, beating out U2 and the Wallflowers, led by Bob Dylan’s son Jakob.

Such a competition could only be found at the American music awards. Unlike the Grammys and other highbrow Hollywood awards shows, the American music awards are the result of a popularity poll and not subject to the discriminating tastes of critics or political decisions of industry folk.Julio Iglesias beat out his own son, Enrique, to win as favourite Latin artist, and gave him an affectionate salute. “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.

Frank Sinatra was announced in advance as recipient of a special award of merit. Daughter Nancy Sinatra was to accept the award for the 82-year-old performer, who has not been seen in public since suffering a heart attack ayear ago.