NEW YORK (AMA Official Website) - Sunday night�s American
Music Awards proved was a real victory for Luther Vandross, who is recovering from a debilitating stroke that almost took his life. The 52-year-old legendary soul singer walked away with the favorite male R&B artist and favorite Soul/R&B awards. Vandross is still undergoing the slow recovery process.
Mary Vandross, accepted the award on her son�s behalf, "I'm so very sorry that Luther cannot be here tonight in person. I'm here to represent him and say thanks to all of you who made this possible."
Country stars Alabama continued their AMA winning streak by winning for favorite country group. This is the group�s 23rd American Music Award, the most awards for any artists in AMA history. Runners up include Michael Jackson with 21 AMA�s and Kenny Rogers with 19.
Celine Dion took home the Sominex e.g. favorite adult contemporary artist award. Rapper 50 Cent�s "Get Rich or Die Tryin" took best rap/hip-hop album honors.
Linkin Park won in the favorite alternative artist category, Ricky Martin claimed favorite Latin star and The Isley Brothers were named best R&B group. The late soul singer Aaliyah won as best female R&B artist.
Justin Timberlake won favorite pop album with his solo CD �Justified� and Lil John and the East Side Boyz came away with best rap/hip-hop group honors.
Fleetwood Mac roared back with the award for favorite rock group.
The complete list of winners at the 31st American Music Awards:
Pop/Rock
Favorite male artist�Kid Rock
Favorite female artist�Jennifer Lopez
Favorite band, group, duo�Fleetwood Mac
Favorite album��Justified� (Justin Timberlake)
Soul/Rhythm & Blues
Favorite male artist�Luther Vandross
Favorite female artist�Aaliyah
Favorite band, group, duo�The Isley Brothers
Favorite album��Dance with my Father� (Luther Vandross)
Country
Favorite male artist�Tim McGraw
Favorite female artist�Faith Hill
Favorite band, group, duo�Alabama
Favorite album��Unleashed� (Toby Keith)
Hip-Hop
Favorite male artist -- 50 Cent
Favorite female artist�Missy Elliott
Favorite band, group, duo�Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Favorite album��Get Rich or Die Trying�� (50 Cent)
Adult Contemporary
Favorite artist�Celine Dion
Alternative Music
Favorite artist�Linkin Park
Latin Music
Favorite artist�Ricky Martin
Contemparay Inspirational
Favorite artist�Steven Curtis Chapman
Fans' Choice Award
Clay Aiken
