Alicia Keys and Usher were among early winners during the star-stud nighttime part of the 47th annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters)

Singer Usher and musician Alicia Keys perform Usher's song 'My Boo' in 2004. The beat of urban music is set to overpower Sunday's 47th annual Grammy Awards, with red-hot rapper Kanye West, diva Alicia Keys and R and B sensation Usher leading the nominations. (Photo: Yahoo/AFP)

Alicia Keys performs at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo: Yahoo/AP)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Alicia Keys and Usher were among early winners during the star-stud nighttime part of the 47th annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center here.

    Alicia Keys won the Grammy Award for best R & B album for her "The Diary of Alicia Keys" album while the band Maroon 5 was named best new artist, beating out Kanye West who was considered the category's favorite contender.

    Songwriter-turned rapper Kanye West was the most nominated artist this year for his 2004 album debut "The College Dropout." He won two Grammys in the pre-telecast ceremony, including the best rap song for 'Jusus Walks."

    Altogether West was nominated for 10 Grammys including album ofthe year.

    Earlier Keys graded three trophies in other R & B categories inthe awards' non-televised part, while Usher whose album "confessions" became the best seller in all genres in 2004 shared an award for best R&B performance by a duo or group with Keys for their No. 1 duet "My Boo."

    Other early winners at the Grammy night were Los Lonely Boys, Prince and Geen Day.

    Punk rock group Green Day won for best rock album for "AmericanIdiot."

    Late Ray Charles received six Grammy Awards for his final album"Genius Loves Company," while former President Bill Clinton won the Grammy for the best spoken word album with the audio version of his autobiography "My Life."

    A tribute to Charles was performed by Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston at the telecast ceremony which began at 5:00 pm local timehere. Charles died of liver disease at age 73 on June 10, 2004. Enditem