This is America, Childish Gambino’s searing indictment of police brutality and racism, scored a breakthrough for rap 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 honour. 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 honours in the music business.

The album of the year went to Musgraves for Golden Hour, reflecting a show and a year that was dominated by female performers and winners across multiple genres.

Popular rapper Cardi B won her first Grammy, taking best rap album for Invasion of Privacy.

Lady Gaga won three trophies and British pop singer Dua Lipa was named best new artist. Canadian rapper Drake made a surprise appearance to accept the Grammy for best rap song for God’s Plan.

Music, old and new, ruled in a live telecast that was largely politics-free, in contrast to US awards shows in the past two years. Hosted by Alicia Keys, the show featured rousing performances by Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Diana Ross, Camila Cabello, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae and Katy Perry, as well as a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin.

Key winners

Album of the Year: Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves

Record of the Year: This Is America - Childish Gambino

Song of the Year: This Is America - Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson (songwriters)

Best New Artist: Dua Lipa

Best Pop Solo Performance: Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin?) - Lady Gaga

Best Pop Vocal Album: Sweetener - Ariana Grande

Best Rap Album: Invasion of Privacy - Cardi B

Best Country Album: Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves

Best Rock Album: From the Fires - Greta Van Fleet

Best Music Video: This is America - Childish Gambino