Meanwhile, tragic singer Jennifer Hudson won the first Grammy of her career after triumphing in the best R&B album category. Hudson, 27, who is re-emerging into the spotlight after the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last year, won for her album "Jennifer Hudson."

Jennifer Hudson performs at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. [Sohu.com]

The former contestant on reality television show "American Idol" won a best supporting actress Oscar two years ago for her performance in "Dreamgirls."

"I don't really know what to say," said Hudson, her voice cracking with emotion after she received the award from Whitney Houston. "Wow, I'm just in awe right now. I would like to thank my family in heaven and those that are here today. I just don't know where to start. Everybody, thank you all."

Hudson later received a standing ovation for a barnstorming rendition of "You Pulled Me Through."

83-year-old "King of the Blues" B.B. King won Best Traditional Blues Album with "One Kind Favor". The win was the 15th Grammy of King's epic seven-decade spanning career, and he it was who took on the mantle of providing the obligatory reference to America's new President. After gathering his award, the legendary Mississippi bluesman told reporters he had been delighted by the election of President Barack Obama.

B. B. King and Buddy Guy perform at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. [Sina.com.cn]

"It makes me think that America is really growing up. America is becoming America," he said, in an observation that had the audience nodding in appreciative agreement.

Elsewhere there were wins for Alicia Keys, whose single "Superwoman" earned the Best Female R & B Vocal Performance, and Ne Yo, who won the equivalent male award for "Miss Independent." American-Chinese pianist Gloria Cheng won the award of Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra) in classical music for her performance on the album "Piano Music Of Salonen, Stucky, And Lutoslawski".