Oklahomans ‘Ride’ high at awards show

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FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Published: November 24, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Rascal Flatts, featuring guitarist Joe Don Rooney of Picher, and Carrie Underwood of Checotah were winners during Sunday night’s American Music Award. Rascal Flatts won the favorite country band, duo or group award. Underwood won favorite country album for "Carnival Ride.”

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Several other artists with Oklahoma ties were nominated in the country division. Rascal Flatts and Garth Brooks also were up for favorite album, and Brooks was nominated for favorite male artist, won by Brad Paisley.

Underwood and Reba McEntire were nominated for favorite female artist, won by Taylor Swift. Brooks & Dunn, including Tulsan Ronnie Dunn, was nominated for favorite band, which was won by Rascal Flatts.

Kanye West also had nothing to complain about Sunday, as he picked up his first-ever American Music Awards and delivered a flawless, if subdued, performance of his new single, "Heartless.” West was a double winner, collecting trophies for favorite male rap/hip-hop artist and favorite rap/hip-hop album for "Graduation.”

Besides West, other double winners included Rihanna and Alicia Keys. Keys’ CD, "As I Am,” was the favorite pop/rock and soul/R&B album. Queen Latifah and opera singer Kathleen Battle joined Keys as she performed her single "Superwoman.”

The American Music Awards traditionally centers on its performances, and Sunday was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.