Folk singer Brandi Carlile, 37, was also among the early winners, taking two Grammys for her Americana music single "The Joke" and another for her album "By the Way, I Forgive You."

An absent Ariana Grande, who pulled out of the show last week after a dispute with producers, won her first Grammy, best pop vocal album for "Sweetener."

"This is wild and beautiful. Thank you so much," Grande tweeted.

Rappers Post Malone ("Beerbongs & Bentleys") and Drake's best-seller "Scorpion" are also vying for the top prize. Janelle Monae's "Dirty Computer," country singer Kacey Musgraves' "Golden Hour," Carlile's "By The Way, I Forgive You," newcomer H.E.R's self-titled "H.E.R.", and the "Black Panther" movie soundtrack round out contenders for album of the year, which will be announced at the end of the three and 1/2 hour telecast on CBS.

Grammy organizers this year expanded the top four categories - album, record, song of the year, and best new artist - to eight nominees from five in a bid to diversify the contest.

Reuters