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Jet, Feb 7, 2000

Lauryn Hill just keeps racking up the honors. To her already long list, she recently added two American Music Awards (AMA).

Her The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was named Favorite R&B/Soul Album, and she was selected as Favorite Female R&B/Soul Female Artist.

Mariah Carey received a special Award of Achievement for her phenomenal success in the 1990s. She turned heads as she carefully took to the stage in a sexy dress that revealed much. She modeled it for reporters saying, "It's a little ensemble, little being the operative word."

Other winners were Will Smith (Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist), R. Kelly (Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist), TLC (Favorite R&B/Soul Band, Duo or Group), DMX (Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist) and Tyrese (Favorite R&B/Soul New Artist). The soundtrack from the film Wild Wild West, which also featured Will Smith, was named Favorite Soundtrack.

Tyrese screamed "No way!" as he took to the stage at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium. He told reporters backstage: "Being born in Watts, this is something that stereotypically wouldn't happen. This award is dedicated to the people of Watts. If you put your mind to it and believe in God, it can happen."

Also backstage, Queen Latifah told reporters that her new talk show "has been tough. It's a hard job. But, as long as it's quality and people keep watching,we'll be okay."

DMX told reporters he should have won before. "With two albums out and multiplatinum, give me a break! I should have gotten it then."

Commenting on her ex-husband Dennis Rodman, actress Carmen Electra said: "You just have to choose someone who has the same spiritual beliefs as you do. Now, I'm just focusing on myself." She also said she will soon be seen in Keenen Ivory Wayans' next film Scary Movie.

Legendary artist Carlos Santana, whose comeback album has racked up tremendous sales as well as critical acclaim, told reporters that there were people who did not want to work with him because of his age. He compared his comeback struggle to that of Tina Turner, pointing out that the only difference is that "I'm not Black and a woman."

Eve said that her song, Love Is Blind, about domestic violence has resulted in her getting tons of mail from women who said the song helped them in their relationships.

Since the award show, for the first time, was held on the federal holiday that honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Diana Ross narrated footage of the slain hero, calling him "a weapon of love, a testament of hope."

During the evening an Internet poll was taken that asked for the favorite artists for the last five decades. Stevie Wonder edged out such artists as Elton John and was voted top artist of the 1970s and Michael Jackson topped the 1980s selection. More than 68,000 people voted.