Carey's career has seen a revival of late

Carey picked up the honours for her album The Emancipation of Mimi and the song We Belong Together.

"This has been the biggest and most successful year of my life," said Carey, who staged a comeback last year after her career had taken a downturn.

John Legend won best male album with Get Lifted and best male single for his track Ordinary People.

High school pupil Chris Brown, 16, was named best new rap artist for his album Run It.

"Just last year I was just at home trying to balance my school work and basketball practice," he said.

Honorary awards went to Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Destiny's Child and R Kelly.

Kelly was nominated for three awards but went home empty-handed.

Kanye West won in the best R&B/soul or rap music video category for Gold Digger.