CORRECTED - 'Idol' veterans shine at American Music Awards

(Corrects to show leading contenders had three nominations each, not four in paragraphs 2 and 10)

By Dean Goodman

LOS ANGELES, Nov 18 (Reuters) - "American Idol" veterans Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood won early prizes at the American Music Awards, a ceremony that changed its voting rules to make it fan-based like the juggernaut talent show.

Daughtry's eponymous rock band, one of four acts leading the way with three nominations each, was named favorite breakthrough artist and favorite adult contemporary artist.

Underwood, who received two nominations, won for favorite female country artist.

Both acts were still awaiting the outcome of the other categories in which they were competing.

Daughtry, a finalist on the fifth season in 2006, thanked the fans, God and his wife -- in that order -- for the breakthrough prize.

Underwood won the fourth season of "Idol," and then the coveted best new artist award at the Grammy Awards this year. She topped the U.S. pop album charts last month with her second release, "Carnival Ride."

"I have the most wonderful fans ever," she said.

The awards show's producers changed the voting procedure this year. About 1.2 million people voted online at a Web site established by the show's broadcaster, ABC, a spokesman said.

Before this year, winners were decided by a poll of 20,000 music buyers. Nominees are still determined by retail sales and radio airplay data.

Also receiving three nominations each were pop star Justin Timberlake, R&B singer Beyonce and rock band Linkin Park.

Timberlake was named favorite male artist in the pop/rock category. He sent in an acceptance speech from Australia, saying the win was "awesome."

Akon took the prize in the soul/R&B category. He brought up fellow nominee T-Pain, saying he "deserves it more than I do. If you knew the work this kid puts in."

Rascal Flatts was named favorite band, duo or group in the country category.

Winners were announced during a ceremony held at the brand new Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The event traditionally had been held at the nearby Shrine Auditorium.