Blige honored as R&B queen

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Mary J. Blige had a sweet comeback at the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday, winning Female R&B vocal performance and R&B Album of the Year honors.

"This is the first time I've been up here to receive anything," a tearful Blige said as she accepted the R&B Album of the Year award for "The Breakthrough." "Thank you so very much."

Later, she accepted the award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Be Without You," which also was named Best R&B Song.

Blige led all nominees this year with eight nominations.

John Legend earned Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the track, "Heaven," from the "Once Again" album.