It was a big moment on a night of hard-hitting performances, poignant speeches and one-liners from six-time host Trevor Noah.
Lamar scooped up four awards in the rap categories, including best rap album for “GNX,” while Gaga won best pop vocal album and best dance pop recording.
“I just want to say for women in music that I know sometimes when you’re in the studio with a bunch of guys, it can be hard. So I urge you to always listen to yourself and always fight for your ideas,” Lady Gaga said.
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell won Song of the Year with “Wildflower,” and Britain’s Olivia Dean was crowned Best New Artist.
Album of the Year showdown
“I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honour to be here,” said Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner.
The 38-year-old California native, who won five Grammys last year thanks to his smash diss track “Not Like Us,” is also up for Record of the Year for “Luther” featuring R&B artist SZA.
Standing in Lamar’s way for Album of the Year is Bad Bunny, who is in the middle of a world tour, just months after a hugely successful residency in San Juan.
His “Un verano sin ti” (2022) was the first Spanish-language album nominated for Album of the Year honours. A win on Sunday would give Bad Bunny another mention in the history books.
Lady Gaga, 39, made a splashy comeback to touring with “Mayhem,” her collection of pop bangers with a dark edge that embraces her dramatic side. She has seven nominations.
A win for Album of the Year would complete her hat trick of top awards.
She took Record and Song of the Year honours seven years ago for the soundtrack hit “Shallow,” from “A Star is Born” – which also earned her an Oscar.
Also nominated for Album of the Year are: pop princess Sabrina Carpenter; R&B singer-songwriter Leon Thomas; Tyler, the Creator; hip-hop duo Clipse (Pusha T and Malice); and Justin Bieber – with his first studio effort in four years.
Big performances
Noah repeatedly joked with the 31-year-old Latin megastar, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, about not performing because of Super Bowl contractual restrictions – and even sang a few bars in Spanish himself before Bad Bunny indulged with a short verse.
K-pop singer Rose and Bruno Mars kicked off the proceedings with a high-octane performance of “APT.” before Noah took to the stage.
Lady Gaga offered an energetic version of “Abracadabra” and Justin Bieber stripped to his boxers for his turn on stage.
Reba McEntire and Lauryn Hill sang in honour of those who died over the past year in the world of music. Late rocker Ozzy Osbourne’s wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack looked on as Post Malone paid tribute.
“Golden,” from the Netflix animated smash hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” won the prize for best song written for visual media, and top Oscar nominee “Sinners” won two soundtrack awards.
The majority of the 95 awards were handed out at a pre-gala ceremony before the televised broadcast.
Joni Mitchell – one of several attendees wearing an “ICE OUT” pin in protest of US President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown – took a prize for best historical album.
– Agence France-Presse