UNITED KINGDOM: WESTLIFE, STEPS AND SHAGGY RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE SMASH HITS POLL WINNERS PARTY

Record ID: 392441

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: WESTLIFE, STEPS AND SHAGGY RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE SMASH HITS POLL WINNERS PARTY
  • Date: 9th December 2001
  • Summary: LONDON, UK (DECEMBER 9, 2001) (REUTERS) VARIOUS, WHEATUS POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS (2.26) VARIOUS , SOUNDBITE) (English) BRENDAN SAYING "Here's the crux of the matter, I think that us and groups like Ash have made rock music feel safe for younger kids because a lot of the harder bands present an environment that those kids know that they can't survive in, which is bad." Q
  • Embargoed: 24th December 2001 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LONDON,UK
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Entertainment,General
  • Reuters ID: LVACVLN811F1QKKM16K868NFWTA8
  • Story Text: Westlife reigned supreme at this years Smash Hits Poll Winners Party, scooping three awards,and proving the precious place they hold in the heart of the UK's teen music fans.
    Crowds at the all-star event were treated to a dazzling line up of performances from some of this year's hottest music talent, and saw the acts they voted for collect their awards.
    Irish boyband Westlife has confirmed their number one teenage heart-throb status after being crowned "Kings of Pop"
    at the annual Smash Hits T4 Poll Winners Party. More than 11,000 screaming girls -- and a smattering of glum parents -- packed into the London Arena stadium on Sunday to welcome the quintet on stage to receive the Best Band award, voted for by readers of the teeny-bop bible.
    The lads also scooped the coveted Best Album gong for the second year running, for their chart-topping release "World of Our Own", with the award for Best Male Haircut going to Nicky.
    Sexy girl trio Atomic Kitten carried off the Best Single award with their hugely successful release "Whole Again", squeezing out Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue and her monster number one hit "Can't Get You out of my Head" which she performed in her inimitable style.
    But the real talking point of the evening came from U.S. rockers Wheatus, who proved that there's room for bit rock'n'roll high-jinx -- even in front of an audience of school-children. The New York-based band wound up their performance of "Teenage Dirtbag" by trashing their drum kit - even though they claim to be the safe face of rock music.
    It was another crowing night for Lisa, Faye, Claire, Lee and H of Steps, who won the Best Live Act award and the keys to the Smash Hits Hall of Fame for their record run of 12 consecutive top 10 hits and 11 top five hits -- a performance bettered only by the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Blonde band member Faye showed she is the best groomed star around with the Best Female Haircut award.
    American acts weren't disappointed with Britney Spears and Destiny's Child sending video messages to accept Best Female Solo Artist and Best R&B respectively.
    Up and coming girl group Mis-Teeq were thrilled to get a chance to perform at the awards as they had been big fans of the show as teenagers.
    It wasn't all teen queens and boy bands though, the reggae sound was represented by the man known as Mr Lover Lover, Shaggy, who performed his chart topping single, "It Wasn't Me" and proudly accepted the gong for Best Male Solo Artist. Former Fugee, Wyclef Jean turned in a typically exuberant performance of his huge hit single, "Perfect Gentleman"
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