Luther Vandross, 50 Cent among American Music Award winners

LOS ANGELES -- Soul singer Luther Vandross, who is recovering from a debilitating stroke that threatened to end not only his career but his life, won a leading two American Music Awards on Sunday.

The 52-year-old singer can speak and walk with assistance, but representatives recently said he remains far from fully recovered. He was honored as best male R&B performer and favorite soul/R&B album for his most recent CD, "Dance with My Father," which was completed shortly before his stroke in April.

His mother accepted the male performer award on his behalf.

Alabama collected its 23rd American Music Award, this one for favorite country group. The quartet, which is currently on its farewell concert tour, has more AMA wins than any other performer -- followed by Michael Jackson with 21 and Kenny Rogers with 19.

Pop diva Celine Dion was picked favorite adult contemporary artist, while tough-guy rapper 50 Cent won best rap/hip-hop album for "Get Rich or Die Tryin"', a gritty CD about his many brushes with death on the street.

The late soul songstress Aaliyah was honored as best female R&B artist, her third American Music Award since she died in a plane crash in 2001.

MTV's "Newlyweds" pop stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson announced the award for female country artist, which Faith Hill won.

"All I've ever wanted to do is just stand onstage and sing and you fans have made it possible time and time again," said Hill, who has four previous American Music Awards.

Her household received a second award when husband Tim McGraw won favorite male country artist. They also won separate American Music Awards together in 2001 and 2002.

Linkin Park won the alternative artist category, while gospel star Steven Curtis Chapman was victorious in the contemporary inspirational class.

Other winners included Ricky Martin for favorite Latin star, and soul veterans The Isley Brothers for best R&B group. Best rap/hip-hop group went to Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz, and rock 'n' roll mainstay Fleetwood Mac received the award for favorite rock group.