Will Smith Album Captures Honors

Rapper-turned-actor Will Smith triumphed at the American Music Awards on Monday night, capturing three trophies on the strength of the album “Big Willie Style.”

Smith, who stars in the movie “Enemy of the State,” won favorite pop/rock album and favorite male artist and album in the soul/rhythm and blues category.

“I’d been away for awhile,” he said as he picked up the night’s first award at the Shrine Auditorium. “I’m just glad people are accepting me again making the music.”

Country superstar Garth Brooks and Canadian songstress Celine Dion both won two trophies apiece. Shania Twain, who had a leading five nominations, won only as favorite country female artist.

Alabama won its 21st career American Music Award, while Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, Aerosmith, ‘N Sync, Master P, Pearl Jam, K-Ci & JoJo, Dixie Chicks and Enrique Iglesias also were winners. “Titanic” won for movie soundtrack over “Armageddon” and “City of Angels.”

Brooks was country’s favorite male artist and his “Sevens” won the country album category, giving him a career total of 13 American Music Awards.

“When they give it to the old, square guy, it’s cool,” Brooks said backstage.

Dion, one of the best-selling singers of 1998, won favorite pop/rock female artist and adult contemporary artist.

Eric Clapton won as favorite pop/rock male artist over Smith and Puff Daddy.

Perennial favorite Alabama was named favorite country band.

Showing the American Music Awards’ tendency to favor tried-and-true performers, Janet Jackson won the ninth of her career, female soul/R&B; artist; Aerosmith won its fifth, pop/rock band; and Pearl Jam also got its fifth, alternative artist.

The awards show provided a possible forecast for the Grammys: Twain is nominated for six Grammys, Dion is competing for four, and Smith has one nod.

Lauryn Hill, who last week received a leading 10 nominations for the Feb. 24 Grammys, was named favorite new soul/R&B; artist, her only American Music Awards bid.

Master P, whose current album is “Da Last Don,” bested Puff Daddy and the Beastie Boys to win favorite rap/hip hop artist.

The soul/R&B; group honor went to K-Ci & JoJo.

‘N Sync took the trophy for new pop-rock artist over Natalie Imbruglia and Third Eye Blind.

The Dixie Chicks were honored as the top new country artist.

Enrique Iglesias followed his father, Julio Iglesias, who last year was the recipient of the American Music Awards’ first favorite Latin music artist trophy.