The Black Eyed Peas were triple winners at the 2006 American Music Awards on Tuesday.

The hip-hop quartet was named favorite group twice, in the rap/hip hop and soul/rhythm & blues categories. They also won favorite rap/hip-hop album for "Monkey Business."

Expressing gratitude via satellite from Costa Rica, the band's frontman, will.i.am, thanked fans and artists "for keeping hip-hop progressive and pushing it forward."

Awards came in pairs for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Rascal Flatts.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were favorite alternative artist and pop/rock band. They accepted their award via satellite from London, with bass player Flea beat-boxing as lead singer Anthony Kiedis thanked "the American people."

Clarkson captured trophies for pop/rock female and adult contemporary artist, categories presented before the televised presentations began in the performance-filled show. Rascal Flatts won favorite country group and the T-Mobile Text-In award, which is chosen by fans.

Blige won favorite soul/rhythm & blues album for "The Breakthrough." She was also the favorite female R&B artist. She accepted the award from surprise presenter Britney Spears, who looked sleek in a knee-length cream-colored frock and long blond hair.