Britney Spears was named best female performer

U2 walked off with best artist, band, album, tour and rock act among their many awards given to them by the magazine's readers.

Bono was also voted best male performer by both readers and critics.

Canadian rockers Sum 41 were also well represented, taking the best single award for Fat Lip and the video honour for In Too Deep.

The critics honoured veteran singer and songwriter Bob Dylan with two trophies, best album for Love and Theft and the artist of the year award.

The magazine's critics rated Basement Jaxx the best dance act, with Norman Cook's alter-ego Fatboy Slim getting the best video honour for Weapon of Choice.

Elton John's comeback was noted by critics

Pop music was not ignored, with Britney Spears getting best female performer and best-dressed star, while NSync were rated the second-best tour behind U2, according to readers.

The critics picked British act Gorillaz as having the second best song of the year for Clint Eastwood, just behind the winner Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On.

Veteran singer Elton John was also a runner-up in the best comeback award, behind US rockers Weezer.

Grammys

U2 are hoping to add more awards to their tally at the Grammys 2002, after being nominated for eight gongs.

The band - who won three Grammys last year - will be up for some of the most prestigious prizes at February's ceremony, including record, album and song of the year.

The Grammys cover all genres of music in 100 categories.

The awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on 27 February.