Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her 'family in heaven'

Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her "family in heaven" while accepting her Grammy Award.

The singer-and-actress - whose mother, brother and nephew were murdered last November - gave an emotional acceptance speech when she picked up the prize for Best R'n'B Album for her self-titled debut before fighting back tears as she performed 'You Pulled Me Through' backed by a choir.

In her speech, Jennifer, 27, said last night (08.02.09): "Thank God, who brought me through. I'd like to thank my family in heaven - and those who are here today."

Jennifer also thanked her fiance David Otunga, who before last night's event said "the last few months have been an ordeal and it just brought us closer".

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the big winners of the night, picking up five awards, including the coveted Album of the Year for 'Raising Sand' and Record of the Year for 'Please Read The Letter'. Vocalist Robert admitted he was bemused by their success.

The former Led Zeppelin rocker said: "I'm bewildered. In the old days we'd call this selling out. But I think it's a good way to spend a Sunday."

British rock group Coldplay picked up three awards, for Best Pop Duo/Vocal Group, Best Rock Album for 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends' and Song of the Year for 'Viva La Vida'.

Their triumph was matched by Lil' Wayne - who picked up his prizes in a pre-show ceremony as he was unable to attend the bash in Los Angeles - who also received a trio of honours for Best Rap Album for 'The Carter Show', Best Rap Solo Performance for 'A-Milli' and Best Rap Song for 'Lollipop'.

As well as honouring American talent, the 51st Grammy Awards honoured several British artists.

'Chasing Pavements' star Adele was named Best Newcomer and Best Female Vocal Performance, Duffy took home Best Pop Vocal Album and Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' was named Best Alternative Album.

Performers at the ceremony included Justin Timberlake, who duetted with soul legend Al Green on his hit 'Let's Stay Together', country singer Carrie Underwood and 'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus.

The 51st Grammy Awards list of major winners:

Album of the Year
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, 'Raising Sand'

Rap Album
Lil Wayne, 'The Carter III'

Record of the Year
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, 'Please Read the Letter'

New Artist
Adele

Rock Album
Coldplay, 'Viva La Vida'

Song of the Year
Coldplay, 'Viva La Vida'

Pop duo/group
Coldplay, 'Viva La Vida'

Pop Vocal Album
Duffy, 'Rockferry'

Alternative Album
Radiohead, 'In Rainbows'

Producer of the Year, non-classical
Rick Rubin