Ailing Vandross tops American Music Awards

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

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