By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Eminem, the Detroit native rapper whose angry lyrics entangled the Grammy ceremonies in controversy, picked up three awards Wednesday but shared the spotlight with veteran Irish rockers U2.
U2 won three awards, including the prestigious song and record of the year for “Beautiful Day.”
“It’s a very unique emotion I’m feeling right now. I think it’s called humility,” said U2’s Bono, who said fellow nominee Macy Gray and others should share the band’s award. “I’m completely not used to it.”
Steely Dan, D’Angelo, Destiny’s Child and Faith Hill won two Grammys apiece.
Eminem - the target of 100 protesters outside the awards show - was honored for best solo rap performance, best rap album and best rap performance by a duo or group for his collaboration with his mentor and producer, Dr. Dre.
Steely Dan, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month, had never won a Grammy until Wednesday. The veteran rockers won best pop album for their first disc in 19 years and won best pop vocal performance by a group for “Cousin Dupree.”
“We’ve been around a long time,” Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen said. “It’s nice to get one of these.”
D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” won best R&B album and his song, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won best male R&B vocal performance. Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” won best R&B song and best R&B performance by a group.
Hill’s “Breathe” won best country vocal performance and her duet with her husband, Tim McGraw, won best country collaboration with vocals.
Eminem’s nomination for album of the year for “The Marshall Mathers LP” has drawn the most controversy. The album, which has sold nearly 8 million copies, denigrates homosexuals, describes the murder of his wife and has a rape fantasy involving Eminem’s mother.
Elton John came under intense criticism from gay activists for agreeing to perform with the 28-year-old Detroit rapper during the Grammy show.
Their duet, on Eminem’s song “Stan,” was the most anticipated performance in a show that also featured Madonna, Paul Simon, Destiny’s Child and Macy Gray.
The controversy, and diverse group of nominees, promised to drive up viewership for the annual awards show.
Other album of the year nominees were “Midnite Vultures,” by Beck; “Kid A,” by Radiohead; “You’re the One,” by Simon; and “Two Against Nature,” by Steely Dan.
Madonna lost out on the best female pop vocal Grammy; the award went to Gray for “I Try.”
There are 100 Grammy categories this year. Unlike last year, when Santana walked away with a record-tying eight awards, no artist or group appeared headed for a sweep.
Dr. Dre and the R&B trio Destiny’s Child led all nominations with five each. Dr. Dre picked up the honor for best producer in the pre-telecast ceremony.
Two of the fired members of Destiny’s Child could have appeared on stage with the now-trio when they picked up their two Grammys, but did not. Lead singer Beyonce
