Awards honor music's spice and legends

The light and sassy Spice Girls used "girl power" to dominate the American Music Awards Monday night, winning three awards and beating out such heavyweights as U2 and The Wallflowers.

The Spice Girls, who were in Ireland preparing for a tour, ruled the pop-rock category and won the Best Album Award. The girls were also named favorite new artist and best group.

Although the all-girl group has been slammed by critics, that doesn't affect the American Music Awards, which are handed out based on a national sampling of approximately 20,000 people.

The members of Boyz II Men stand with their prize for Best Soul/ R&B Group. Boyz II Men also performed during the awards show Monday night.

The emotional centerpiece of the show came in a tribute for the ailing Frank Sinatra. His daughter, Nancy, accepted the special Award of Merit.

"I bring you greetings from the coolest guy on the face of the planet next to Puff Daddy - my daddy!" the entertainer's daughter said.

The three-hour show - broadcast on ABC - included live performances by Garth Brooks and Boyz II Men, who were named Best Soul/R&B Group.

Reba McEntire saluted her competitors while accepting her trophy for favorite female country artist.

"I do not take it for granted that you have nominated me along with two beautiful and talented women," said McEntire, who beat out Leann Rimes and Shania Twain.

Julio Iglesias defeated his own son, Enrique, to win as favorite Latin artist.

Julio Iglesias beams with his award. He beat out his son Enrique for the Best Latin Artist prize.

"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.

In the alternative category, Bush was named favorite artist, beating out the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Sublime.

George Strait won two awards, Best Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for "Carrying Your Love with Me."

Erykah Badu was named favorite soul/R&B new artist.

"I'd like to thank the creator for giving my this gift to share with y'all," said Badu, wearing her trademark turban, this one green.

Sinatra's tribute included fellow crooner Tony Bennett, who showed black-and-white clips the singer going back to the 1940s.

Nancy Sinatra accepted the award for her 82-year-old father, who has not been seen in public since suffering a heart attack a year ago.

"When I left the house, Dad said 'Give all the fans a hug for me, because they made me possible.' So consider yourself hugged by the Chairman of the Board," she said.

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