American Music Awards Have Idol Tinge
Former “American Idol” contestants Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry were the big winners at the 35th Annual American Music Awards ceremony Sunday night in Los Angeles.

It was a mere week and a half ago that singer Carrie Underwood won three trophies at the Country Music Association Awards, including female vocalist of the year and single of the year awards, the latter for “Before He Cheats.”

Carrie has continuous reason to celebrate, as the 35th Annual American Music Awards ceremony, broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater, brought three more wins for the 24-year-old singer.

She won favorite country album for “Some Hearts,” favorite country female artist and an audience text-in award for favorite artist. “This is one heck of a night,” the “American Idol” alum exclaimed.

Chris Daughtry was the other triple winner last night, with his band Daughtry receiving trophies for favorite pop-rock album for its self-titled debut, as well as breakthrough artist and adult contemporary artist honors.

“I want to make sure we thank the fans again because you guys made this all possible for us,” the band's frontman said.

Rapper T. I. won the favorite male artist and favorite album awards in the hip-hop category, Justin Timberlake won favorite pop/rock male artists and soul/R&B album for “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” while Rihanna won favorite soul/R&B female artist.

Other winners were Rascal Flatts (favorite country duo or group), Tim McGraw (favorite male country artist), Jennifer Lopez (favorite Latin artist) and “High School Musical 2” (favorite soundtrack album).

Duran Duran performed its new song “Falling Down,” as well as the 1980s hit “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Celine Dion also entertained the audience with her new song “Taking Chances,” while Lenny Kravitz sang his latest, “I'll Be Waiting.” Beyonce and Sugarland performed a country version of Beyonce's hit “Irreplaceable.”

Jimmy Kimmel was host of the night. He said the writers’ strike prevented him from writing jokes for the show. “It may not look like it, but I'm striking right now in my heart,” he told the audience.