Kanye Not Heartless
Nov. 24 2008, Published 12:11 p.m. ET
(Photo: Splash News Online) Kanye West was pretty chipper last night as he snagged his first American Music Awards trophy, winning for Favorite Male Rap/Hip-Hop artist. His CD Graduation won for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop album.
Four years ago, West was openly miffed when he lost to Gretchen Wilson for Best New Artist.
"I'd like to thank everyone who accepted me trying to break new boundaries in music," West said. Then he added, "We will be the new Beatles, the new Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."
West was downright humble, in fact, saying Lil Wayne really deserved the award. What the heck. West had two.
Chris Brown, the 19 year old wunderkind, won a trio of awards including Artist of the Year.
He was also in a generous if ungrammatical mood, declaring, "I would've gave it to Coldplay."
Rihanna won for Favorite Female Artist and Alicia Keys won the tongue-twisting Favorite Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B Album for "As I Am."