Garth Brooks walks away with top honor, not award
Garth Brooks' "acceptance"
speech at the AMA. Wav(232
K) Real Audio
About Real Audio
LOS ANGELES - Country music star Garth Brooks was named artist of the year Monday at the American Music Awards, then left his trophy on the podium because he doesn't believe in the title. Brooks, saying there was no disrespect intended, told the audience he didn't believe in the concept of an artist of the year, "so I'm going to leave it here." He then walked away.
Brooks and the reunited Eagles each won three American Music Awards. Brooks also won, for the fifth year in a row, favorite male country artist and favorite country album for The Hits.
Reba McEntire was named the top female country artist, her 13th American Music Award, while Shania Twain won the favorite new country artist and Hootie & the Blowfish was named favorite pop-rock new artist.
The evening's most emotional moment was Brooks' performance of The Change in remembrance of the Oklahoma City bombing. It brought tears to the eyes of audience members.