Musiq Soulchild News

(3/3/03, 3 p.m. ET) -- Musiq, Nelly and Ashanti were Saturday's (March 1) top winners at the 17th Annual Soul Train Awards, held at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.

Musiq claimed best R&B/Soul album, male for Juslisen and best R&B/Soul single, male for "Dontchange." Ashanti took home best R&B/Soul album, female for her self-titled debut and best R&B/Soul single, female for "Foolish."

Nelly claimed album of the year, along with the Sammy Davis Jr. award for "Entertainer Of The Year." Other winners included a best new artist honor for Amerie, and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott taking the Michael Jackson Award for best video.

Musiq said the Soul Train wins are especially meaningful to him. "Not to downplay any other awards show, but the only awards show that really means a whole lot to me is either the Soul Train Music Awards or like the BET Music Awards," Musiq said. "They mean a whole lot because I'm, that's more particular to me, and I feel more closer to that, but I definitely appreciate any accolade that I get from anybody. I appreciate all the love that I get. "

Amerie said she has a special place in mind for her best new artist award. "I think I may put it...in my kitchen," Amerie, "'Cause that's where I am most of the time. (laughs) I'm pretty good with French toast, breakfast. I eat breakfast all day. I eat cereal, bacon, eggs and cheese at like two 'o'clock in the morning. "

Nelly didn't seem to know much about Sammy Davis Jr., though he received an Entertainer Of The Year presentation named for the late showbiz legend. "To get an award like Sammy Davis Jr. award, you know, I never met the man, wish I had (laughs), definitely," Nelly said. "But my grandfather loves him. I don't know Sammy Davis, you know, like that. I can imagine that any type of success at that period of time that any African-American was having can do nothing but benefit my life, in any just cause. 'Cause, you know, I'm in the same, field, you think? (laughs) So I'm just privileged that they would actually take the time to give me such award."

The awards were hosted by Elliott and Arsenio Hall of the new Star Search. Performers during the show included India.Arie, Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC, and LL Cool J, who seemed to get the most screams for ripping off his tattered shirt to fully reveal his chiseled torso.

Soul Train Awards Winner List:

BEST R&B/SOUL ALBUM, MALE - Musiq, Juslisen

BEST R&B/SOUL SINGLE, MALE - Musiq, "Dontchange"

BEST R&B/SOUL ALBUM, FEMALE - Ashanti, Ashanti

BEST R&B/SOUL SINGLE, FEMALE - Ashanti, "Foolish."

BEST R&B/SOUL ALBUM, GROUP, BAND OR DUO - B2K, B2K

BEST R&B/SOUL SINGLE, GROUP, BAND OR DUO - Dru Hill "I Should Be..."

BEST R&B/SOUL OR RAP BEST NEW ARTIST - Amerie

BEST R&B/SOUL OR RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Nelly, Nellyville

MICHAEL JACKSON AWARD FOR BEST R&B/SOUL OR RAP MUSIC VIDEO - Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott

BEST GOSPEL ALBUM - Tri City Singers - Go Get Your Life Back

SAMMY DAVIS JR. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR - Nelly

QUINCY JONES OUTSTANDING CAREER ACHIEVEMENT - Mariah Carey, female; LL Cool J, male.

-- Darryl Morden, Los Angeles

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