Television history was made on May 21, 1999.  Susan Lucci won the coveted Emmy award for outstanding actress for her portrayal of the diva, Erica Kane, thus ending her 19-year nomination and 18-year losing streak.  The 26th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards was held at the theater at Madison Square Garden in New York and aired tonight on CBS at 9:00 p.m. ET. 

Ms. Lucci was clearly the favorite to win tonight and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when it was announced.  Ms. Lucci also received a standing ovation that added to the emotional moment that both her peers and her fans felt. Ms. Lucci sobbed, when presenter, Shemar Moore, from The Young and the Restless, announced that, "The streak is over, Susan Lucci."  Ms. Lucci began to cry and hugged her husband, Helmut Huber, then walked to the stage. Ms. Lucci said, "She truly believed this would never happen."  She slowly regained her composure and thanked her family along with many others. Ms. Lucci continued right through the music as it urged her to wrap it up so they could go to a commercial. Ms. Lucci also said, "I'm going to go back to that studio Monday and I'm going to play Erica Kane for all she's worth.''

On Thursday, May 20, Charles Gibson of Good Morning America interviewed Ms. Lucci.  Ms. Lucci stated that she hasn't written an acceptance for a number of years, but that she still gets butterflies in her stomach in anticipation of the big event. Mr. Gibson alluded to the fact that an expert on the Emmys felt that this year would be her year to win, seems his expert knows his stuff. Even Charlie Gibson agreed it was time for Ms. Lucci to be honored with the award. The Emmy expert was right!

All My Children had no stars presenting awards tonight, although Ms. Lucci did have the pleasure of introducing Aretha Franklin.  Ms. Franklin performed during each clip of the four nominations for the best drama series, All My Children, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.

The other main category winners were: