Top album award for Carrie (with AMA photo gallery)

November 22, 2010 By Mark Franklin 0

Carrie Underwood wasn’t on hand, but won yet another award for her trophy case Sunday night at the American Music Awards.

Carrie’s “Play On” took honors as favorite country album of the year over Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” and Jason Aldean’s “Wide Open.”

Carrie missed out on the other award she was nominated for — favorite country female artist. That honor went to Taylor Swift. Miranda Lambert was the other nominee.

Of course, the night belonged to 16-year-old Justin Bieber, who won four AMAs, including Artist of the Year. He became the youngest performer to accomplish that feat.

I somehow suspect Bieber envy is partly responsible for American Idol’s sudden interest in lowering its age limit to 15 and — I’m reading between the lines here — looking for more of a pop star and less of a singer-songwriter type to triumph in season 10.

Note to Idol: Winners like Carrie and Kelly Clarkson have staying power; Bieber will be yesterday’s news in a year or two. Or less.

Anyway, I liked the way Justin invited mentor Usher on stage for help celebrate the artist of the year honors. I was confused earlier in the show when, upon accepting another award, Justin thanked Michael Jackson and said, “without Michael Jackson, none of us would be here.”

Huh?

Musical highlights included Rihanna’s blazing opening act, Kid Rock’s acoustic version of “Times Like These” and Pink’s rousing “Raise Your Glass,” with a couple of comic touches thrown in.

Musical lowlights included Taylor Swift’s “Back to December” — it really sounds better on the CD, folks — and Miley Cyrus’ … well, I forget what she was singing. But I doubt more than a couple of notes were on key. That was one absolutely tortured vocal.

But at least she didn’t pole dance, like at the Teen Choice Awards a couple of years ago.

I’d offer comment on the joint performance by the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, but I didn’t care enough to watch. I tuned out as soon as the Artist of the Year award was presented.

And, with Adam Lambert safely preparing for a Glam Nation show in Austria, the evening went off without any of last year’s show-ending nonsense.

Now, here’s the list of winners, followed by the photo gallery.

Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber

Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber

Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist: Lady Gaga

Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Justin Bieber – My World 2.0

Favorite Country Music Male Artist: Brad Paisley

Favorite Country Music Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Favorite Country Music Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum

Favorite Country Music Album: Carrie Underwood – Play On

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist: Eminem