Daughtry capitalized on its three nominations to win favorite pop-rock album for its self-titled debut, as well as breakthrough artist and adult contemporary artist honors.

Backstage, the band's frontman explained that he was an artist before he got to "American Idol.""The show didn't make me who I am," he said. "It just gave me a chance to show everybody else who I am."Underwood also took three trophies: female country artist, country album for "Some Hearts," and the T-Mobile text-in award.

Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake won favorite male pop-rock artist and in the soul/R&B album category for his "FutureSex/LoveSounds."In the rap/hip-hop categories, T.I. came up a double winner as male artist and for the album "T.I. vs. T.I.P." Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was favorite group.

Akon won favorite male soul/rhythm & blues artist, and Rihanna bested former "Idol" Fantasia to win favorite female soul/R&B artist.

Fergie opened the show with a trio of songs from her debut album, then closed it by beating Beyonce and Avril Lavigne to win pop-rock female artist.

For the first time in show history, American Music Award winners were chosen by public votes cast online.