Lauryn Hill Sets Grammy Record

At the 1999 Grammy Awards, Hill was nominated 10 times, becoming the first woman ever to be nominated 10 times in one year: Hill won five Grammys including Album of the Year (beating Madonna's critically acclaimed Ray of Light and Shania Twain's bestselling Come on Over), Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Hill set a new record in the industry, becoming the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. Between 1998 and 1999, Hill earned $25 million from record sales and touring.

Hill became a national media icon, as magazines ranging from Time to Esquire to Teen People vied to put her on the cover.

Lauryn Hill has reached a new peak.

The 23-year-old singer on Wednesday took home five Grammys -- a record for a woman -- as the Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences celebrated the best in the music business.

Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," her debut solo effort, won Grammys for album of the year (the first time a hip-hop artist has won this category), best new artist, best female R&B vocal performance, best R&B song, and best R&B album.

"Wow, this is so amazing," Hill said. "I thank God. This is crazy because this is hip-hop music."

Hill's victory highlighted another Grammy year of the woman, dominated by song divas in several categories.