'This is America' wins big at Grammys, Musgraves takes best album

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