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.

Complete winner list according to Reuters.

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) 

CRAP/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 
CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL 
Favorite artist�Steven Curtis Chapman 

FANS� CHOICE AWARD 
Clay Aiken 
 

Preview and purchase music from Luther Vandross
 
 
.