EMINEM GOES FOUR FOR FOUR

In an evening plagued by no-shows, Eminem upstaged newcomer Ashanti at Monday's 30th Annual American Music Awards, collecting trophies in all four categories in which he was nominated.

Eminem’s The Eminem Show was named favorite album in both the pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B categories, while the rapper was named favorite male artist in both of those categories. Eminem was not in attendance.

Ashanti, who led all nominees with five, collected two new artist awards (favorite hip-hop R&B and pop), and was in attendance to pick them up.

Others who passed up the presentation included country trio the Dixie Chicks and rock band Creed, who each won two prizes. The Dixie Chicks dominated the country category, winning the prizes for album (Home) and group. Creed won for alternative and pop/rock group.

Rapper Nelly, who also received four nominations, had the misfortune to be going head-to-head with Eminem in all his nominated categories. Nelly did, however, win an Internet-based fans' choice award.

Tim McGraw, who opened the show by singing a duet with Elton John on John's "Tiny Dancer," left the venue before he was named favorite male country artist.

The show, broadcast live on ABC, was hosted by the frequently foul-mouthed Ozzy Osbourne, his wife Sharon, and kids Jack and Kelly. Rarely seen daughter Aimee was billed as a presenter but was also a no-show. The Osbournes gave network censors a workout. They were bleeped so much during their opening introduction it was even harder for viewers to understand what they were saying.

Mary J. Blige, another absentee, was named favorite female hip-hop artist and OutKast was chosen as favorite hip-hop group.

Sheryl Crow won favorite female pop-rock artist while Martina McBride accepted the award for favorite female country artist.

Other winners included Carolyn Dawn Johnson (favorite new country artist), Avalon (contemporary inspirational performance), Celine Dion (favorite adult contemporary artist), Enrique Iglesias (favorite Latin music performer) and Alabama (award of merit).

Nominees are chosen on the basis of record sales, with winners selected by a survey of about 20,000 listeners.

Christina Aguilera, Kelly Osbourne, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Nickelback and Shania Twain were among the performers.