New Voting Strategy Gives Past Idol Contestants the Upper Hand?

The American Music Awards resembled a greatest-hits version of "American Idol" on Sunday, as two former contestants of the hit talent show; Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, each won three prizes.

Daughtry's eponymous rock band and country singer Underwood overshadowed the likes of superstars Justin Timberlake and Beyonce, possibly with some help from new voting rules.A first for the "American Music Awards", producers allowed fans to vote online. Winners were traditionally determined by an opinion poll of 20,000 music buyers.Producers said about 1.2 million people voted online at a Web site established by the show's U.S. broadcaster, ABC. By contrast, 74 million votes were cast by telephone for the grand finale of "American Idol" on Fox in May.Daughtry, a finalist on the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006, won for favorite breakthrough artist, favorite adult contemporary artist, and favorite pop/rock album for their chart-topping self-titled release.Underwood's American Music Award honors were for favorite female artist and favorite album, both in the country category. She also won a special award determined by text messages.

She received the album award for her debut release "Some Hearts.""This is one heck of a night," Underwood said.

She won the fourth season of "American Idol" and went to No. 1 last month with her second album, "Carnival Ride." Earlier this year, she won two Grammy Awards, including the coveted best new artist award.