Hosts with the most: LL Cool J and Britney Spears

Britney Spears, who co-hosted the event with rapper LL Cool J, had been up for two awards, and Grammy nominee Eminem was also hoping for a double honour.

Hill, who had been nominated for four awards, was prevented from making a clean sweep by an absent Celine Dion, who won the favourite adult contemporary artist category.

But she was still delighted with her success, telling the audience at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Monday night: "Wow - this is something else.

"I love to sing, I really do. Thank you for giving me the opportunity night after night."

She added that after her husband previous beat her a few years ago as favourite new country artist it was "payback - payback is hell".

Janet Jackson: Outstanding contribution

Pop star and actress Janet Jackson, who has sold more than 40 million recordings, was the 28th person to receive the award for "outstanding contributions to the musical entertainment of the American public".

Previous recipients include Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Irving Berlin, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, her brother Michael and Whitney Houston.

Rock band Creed, who beat Spears for the best album nod, also won favourite alternative artist.

And Dr Dre, who has five Grammy nominations, was named rap/hip-hop artist of the year.

Billy Gilman: Favourite new country artist

"I love the fact that I won," he said. "It means somebody's paying attention to my hard work."

Female trio Destiny's Child were voted favourite band in the soul/rhythm and blues category, as was Donnell Jones for favourite new artist.

Another recipient of a new artist award was 12-year-old Billy Gilman, who topped the country category.

And N Sync were voted the internet fans' favourite artist, with Star Trek star William Shatner presenting their trophy.

Internet choice: NSync

Special awards went to Aerosmith, who received a special, non-competitive International Artist Award, and performed their new single Jaded.

"It kinda verifies that we're doing something right," singer Steven Tyler said.

Other performers included Braxton, Spears and Gilman, glam rock band Marilyn Manson, and singer-actress Jennifer Lopez.