Women ruled at the American Music Awards (AMAs), as Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys and the late Aaliyah swept the board.

They each won two prizes during the ceremony in Los Angeles, as did country singer Tim McGraw.

Michael Jackson received an award for artist of the century, but his appearance was overshadowed by a row with the rival Grammys ceremony.

After being told he could not perform at the Grammys if he sang at the AMAs, the singer showed a video montage of his career highlights instead.

He had initially backed out of the AMAs altogether, prompting show producer Dick Clark to file a $10m (�7m) lawsuit against Grammys boss Michael Greene for unfair competition.

Aaliyah looks set for a UK number one

Country star Garth Brooks said the competition between the rival awards ceremonies was stupid.

He said: "The only thing that suffers is the music and the people that make it.

"So I would say, Back off. You're nothing without the artists."

Newcomer Keys, who was nominated for five AMAs, said she was stunned with her double triumph.

The singer picked up best new artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.

The 20-year-old, who had a UK hit last year with Fallin', said: "This has been a fantastic year. This has been an unbelievable year."

Her album Songs In A Minor has sold more than four million copies to date.

Number one

Trio Destiny's Child won both categories in which they had been nominated - favourite band duo or group (soul/R&B), while their album, Survivor, won the prize for favourite pop/rock album.

Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash last year, won best album for her self-titled CD and favourite female artist in the soul/R&B categories.

She looks set to get her first number one in the UK with More Than A Woman this weekend.

McGraw won the prizes for favourite male artist and favourite album (Set This Circus Down), both in the country category.

He also collected favourite female country artist on behalf of his wife Faith Hill, who has recently had a baby.

Luther Vandross sang a tribute to George Harrison

NSync won best pop group ahead of U2 and the Dave Matthews Band, but their award did not go down too well with some sections of the audience.

Lead singer Justin Timberlake said: "Quit booing. U2's going to get Grammys."

Veteran crooner Luther Vandross was named favourite male soul/R&B artist, the seventh AMA of his career.

He performed a version of late former Beatle George Harrison's My Sweet Lord during a tribute to artists who died in the past year.

Performers on the night included Britney Spears, Cher, rockers Lenny Kravitz and Kid Rock, country singer Toby Keith and R&B heartthrob Usher.

Other winners included UK singer Sade, who recently received an OBE, who walked off with favourite adult contemporary artist and Enrique Iglesias, who received the favourite Latin artist award.

The AMAs are determined by a survey of about 20,000 record buyers.