Rascal Flatts were named favorite country group, and also won the Text-In Award, determined by text messages sent by the show's viewers. Blige won for favorite female artist and favorite album ("The Breakthrough"), both in the soul/R&B categories. Clarkson won for favorite female pop/rock artist and favorite adult contemporary artist.

Actor Jamie Foxx picked up a statuette -- for favorite soul/R&B male artist -- to add to the Academy Award he won last year for his role as Ray Charles in "Ray."

"This means a lot more than you think," said Foxx, accompanied by his biological mother, whom he said he had not seen in years.

Another "American Idol" victor, Carrie Underwood, won the prize for breakthrough artist.

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Performers included Gwen Stefani, who yodeled her way through a brand new song, "Wind It Up"; and country music outcasts the Dixie Chicks, who received loud applause for their socially conscious tune "Easy Silence." Veteran pop artist Lionel Richie brought the Shrine Auditorium crowd to its feet when he dusted off his '80s hit "All Night Long."

The event at the Shrine Auditorium was hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Nominees are drawn from top acts determined by retail sales and radio airplay, while winners are voted on by a random poll of about 20,000 record-buyers.