Music Awards Keep the Faith

By Stephen M. Silverman

Tuesday January 09, 2001 12:00 AM EST

Country's favorite couple, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, shined their stuff at last night's American Music Awards in Los Angeles, though she trumped him with three trophies (favorite female artist, favorite female country artist and best country album for her "Breathe") to his one (favorite male country artist). "We're going to go eat sushi," Hill said backstage at the Shrine Auditorium ceremony, where winners were determined by music fans. "I wanted Italian food, and she wanted sushi," said McGraw. "She won more awards, so . . . " Double-winner Creed was selected favorite alternative music artists and their album, "Human Clay," shut out 'N Sync and Britney Spears for best pop album. Another double-winner, Toni Braxton, took home the award for favorite soul album ("Heat"), while Backstreet Boys shot past 'N Sync and Creed to be named favorite pop group. Veteran rapper Dr. Dre, who beat out protege Eminem for the title of favorite rap artist (they similarly are competing in the Grammys), preened after winning. "I love the fact that somebody's paying attention to my hard work. That's exactly what it is, a lot of hard work." He was equally delighted with all the media attention rap has been getting lately. "I love all the controversy," he said. "We're pushing buttons."