Britney Spears launched the 31st annual American Music Awards show by being lowered onstage in a purple corset, black hot pants and thigh-high boots. She started the telecast with a pyrotechnic-filled performance of her new song, "Me Against the Music," Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Lance Bass, from 'NSYNC, pretends to be a photographer as he walks down the red carpet at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Faith Hill accepts the award for Favorite Female Artist-Country Music during the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Ashanti arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles. Ashanti, who performed on the show, was nominated for Favorite Female Artist-Hip-Hop/Rhythm & Blues Music.
"American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken accepts the Fan's Choice Award during the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles. Aiken accepted the award saying he wasn't used to being the winner.
Sheryl Crow performs "The First Cut is the Deepest" during the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Actress and singer Hilary Duff arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles. Duff performed in the show.
Singers Darryl Hall, left, and John Oats arrive at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Singer Jessica Simpson poses for photographers as she arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Country singer Toby Keith accepts the award for Favorite Album-Country Music for his "Unleashed," during the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003.
James Hetfield, of the heavy metal band Metallica, performs "St. Anger" during the 31st annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles.
Singer Pink arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Pink was a performer on the show.
Kid Rock and his companion, actress Pamela Anderson, arrive at the 31st annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Rock performed a pounding cover of Bad Company's 1975 anthem "Feel Like Makin' Love," which he screeched under the towering flashing letters L-O-V-E. He claimed the award for favorite male pop-rock artist at the end of the show.
Singer Rod Stewart and his family arrive at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Stewart was a performer on the show.
Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw arrive at the 31st annual American Music Awards. Hill won Favorite Female Artist-Country Music. McGraw was a double nominee for Favorite Male Artist-Country music and Favorite Album-Country Music for "Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors."
Actress Jenny McCarthy poses for photographers backstage after presenting an award at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Entertainer Hilary Duff performs at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Lil Jon, of Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz, is photographed backstage after his group won the award for Favorite Band, Duo or Group-Rap/Hip-Hop at the 31st annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles.
Presenter Mark McGrath, of the pop group Sugar Ray, arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Actress Roselyn Sanchez walks the red carpet at the 31st annual American Music Awards, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.