Rap makes breakthrough while girl power rules

"This is America," Childish Gambino's searing indictment of police brutality and racism, scored a breakthrough for rap on Sunday at the Grammy awards, where the top prize went to country artist Kacey Musgraves. It won both record and song of the year, becoming the first hip hop track to win either of the top Grammy categories in 61 years. "This is America" also took Grammys for best music video and best rap performance.

However, Childish Gambino, the music alter ego of actor Donald Glover, was not around to accept the honor.Both Glover and leading nominee Kendrick Lamar were Grammy no-shows in what was seen as a snub by the rappers for past disappointments when socially incisive rap material lost out to pop or R&B at the highest honors in the music business.

"I really wish he (Glover) was here right now. All of this was his vision and he deserves this credit," said songwriter Ludwig Goransson, who worked with Glover on the track.

"It speaks to people, it calls out injustice, celebrates life and reunites us all at the same time," Goransson said, accepting the award on Glover's behalf.The album of the year Grammy went to Musgraves for "Golden Hour," reflecting a show and a year that was dominated by female performers and winners across multiple genres. "I would have nothing without songs. It's all about the songs," said Musgraves, who also won three other Grammys.

List of winners in the major categories

Album Of The Year

Kacey Musgraves, "Golden Hour"

Record Of The Year 

Childish Gambino, "This Is America"

Song Of The Year 

Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Ludwig Goransson, "This Is America"

Best New Artist

Dua Lipa

Best Music Video

Childish Gambino, "This Is America"

Best Rap Album

Cardi B, "Invasion Of Privacy"

Best Rock Album

Greta Van Fleet, "From the Fires"

Best Pop Vocal Album

Ariana Grande, "Sweetener"

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, "Shallow"

Best Urban Contemporary Album

The Carters, "Everything Is Love"

Best R&B Album

H.E.R., "H.E.R."

Best Alternative Music Album

Beck, "Colors"

Best World Music Album

Soweto Gospel Choir, "Freedom"