Luther Vandross, 50 Cent Winners at AMAs
Nov. 17 -- Ailing soul veteran Luther Vandross and street-tough rap newcomer 50 Cent led winners at the American Music Awards with two honors each, setting the tone for an eclectic group of honorees that ranged from Kid Rock and Fleetwood Mac to Missy Elliott and Alabama.
Vandross, who is recovering from a debilitating stroke that threatened to end not only his career but his life, was honored Sunday 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 he became ill in April.
The 52-year-old singer can speak and walk with assistance, but representatives recently said he remains far from fully recovered. His mother, Mary Vandross, accepted both awards on his behalf.
"I'm so very sorry that Luther cannot be here tonight in person," she told the crowd, after a brief moment of tearful speechlessness. "I'm here to represent him and say thanks to all of you who made this possible."
The Shield star Michael Chiklis walked into the audience to present the second award to the elderly woman, who had difficulty climbing the stage steps the first time.
50 Cent, who did not attend the ceremony, also won two awards: Best male rap artist and best rap-hip-hop album for Get Rich or Die Tryin,' a gritty CD about his many brushes with death on the street.
Britney Spears launched the show by being lowered onstage in a purple corset, black hot pants and thigh-high boots to start the telecast with a pyrotechnic-filled performance of her new song "Me Against the Music."
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