release "Big Willie Style" was named favourite album in the soul/R&B category. After thanking wife, Jada Pinkett Smith and his two sons, Smith told the crowd at the Shrine Auditorium that he was proud to win because recording the album had been a "long difficult process." Shania Twain led the field with five nominations but missed out on the first category in which she was competing. The Canadian pop-rocker‘s hit album "Come on Over" was defeated in the favourite country album category by Brooks‘ "Sevens." Dion, with two nominations, was named favourite artist in the adult contemporary category. Also, Alabama won the favourite country band award for the 16th time in 17 years. Rap entrepreneur Master P. was named favourite artist in the rap/hip-hop category. K-Ci and Jojo were named favourite group in the soul/R&B category. Teen heartthrobs ‘N Sync were named favourite new pop/rock artist. Singer-songwriter Billy Joel received the noncompetitive Award of Merit for lifetime achievement. American Music Awards nominees were drawn from radio airplay and retail sales data, and the winners voted on by a poll of about 20,000 members of the American music-buying public. The more prestigious Grammy Awards, which take place next month, are voted on by music industry insiders.