Dave Matthews Band tops irreverent 'My VH1 Awards' ceremony

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Best bellybutton? A monkey nominated for his performance in a video? An award for most over-played song? <br><br>These were among the unlikely honors at Sunday's My VH1 Music Awards,

Monday, December 3rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Best bellybutton? A monkey nominated for his performance in a video? An award for most over-played song?

These were among the unlikely honors at Sunday's My VH1 Music Awards, an irreverent fan-based ceremony hosted by the music network.

Dave Matthews Band led with four awards, including favorite group and best fan-managed Internet site. Their single ``The Space Between'' won the Damn I Wish I Wrote That award, which recognizes the song of the year.

The group also won the Must Have Album award, defeating The Beatles' rereleased disc ``No. 1.''

``I feel a little bit ridiculous,'' Matthews said. ``I've been listening to that 'No. 1' album by The Beatles and it kicks the crap out of our album, but it's still kind of you to vote (for us).''

No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, who performed two chart-topping duets this year with rocker Moby and rapper Eve, won for favorite female artist.

``What?! Shut up!'' the singer said, accepting the award. ``I can't believe you guys would vote for me. That's insane.''

Lenny Kravitz, who ended the show by performing a duet with Mick Jagger, won for favorite male artist.

Meanwhile, Christopher Walken won for best actor in a video for his solo dance number in Fatboy Slim's ``Weapon of Choice.'' Walken's competition in the category included a monkey from Weezer's ``Island In the Sun'' and Jennifer Love Hewitt in Enrique Iglesias's romantic ``Hero.''

The band Staind took home a backhanded compliment by winning the Your Song Kicked Ass but was Played Too Damned Much category for its hit ``It's Been Awhile.''

British rockers Coldplay won two awards, Best Kept Secret and Big In Japan, which recognizes the international star-power of a performer or group.

``Will & Grace'' star Eric McCormack hosted the live telecast from the Shrine Auditorium, with singers Sting, Nelly Furtado and Mary J. Blige among the performers.

The show opened with a tribute to former Beatle George Harrison, who died Thursday. Jon Bon Jovi sang Harrison's Beatles hit ``Here Comes the Sun'' with Richie Sambora accompanying on a 12-string guitar.

``We'll miss you, George,'' Bon Jovi said at the end.

The categories and winners are voted on by an undetermined number of fans via the Internet. Organizers said votes were still being filed up to a few minutes before the awards were presented.

The complete list of winners:

Must-Have Album: ``Everyday,'' Dave Matthews Band.

Your Song Kicked Ass but was Played Too Damned Much: ``It's Been Awhile,'' Staind.

Welcome to the Big Time: Alicia Keys.

Is It Hot In Here or Is It Just My Video: ``Lady Marmalade,'' Christina, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink.

Best Kept Secret: Coldplay.

Damn, I Wish I Wrote That (Song of the Year): ``The Space Between,'' Dave Matthews Band.

Favorite Male Artist: Lenny Kravitz.

Favorite Female Artist: Gwen Stefani.

Favorite Group: Dave Matthews Band.

Hottest Live Show: Bon Jovi.

Navel Academy (Best Bellybutton Appearance): Britney Spears.

Favorite Video: ``Lady Marmalade,'' Christina, Lil'Kim, Mya and Pink.

Best Actor in a Video: Christopher Walken, ``Weapon of Choice'' (artist Fatboy Slim).

There's No ``I'' In Team (Best Collaboration): ``What's Going On,'' various artists.

Coolest Fan Website: Nancies.org (for Dave Matthews Band).

Big In Japan (International Award): Coldplay.