R&B artist Bruno Mars won the top prize at the Grammy Awards on Monday, denying rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z the honour of becoming the first hip-hop artist in 14 years to win the coveted album of the year award.

Mars won six Grammys including song of the year for his hit single “That’s What I Like,” and both record and album of the year for “24K Magic.”

Lamar, regarded as one of the most innovative rappers of his generation, won five prizes mostly in rap categories, for his album “DAMN.” and single “Humble.”

Lamar’s victories came at the expense of veteran Jay-Z and his soul-baring album “4:44.” Jay-Z won none of his eight nominations and chose not to perform at the three-hour show.

Dressed in white and accompanied by five fellow female artists, pop singer Kesha delivered a powerful ballad as part of the Time’s Up movement to end workplace sexual harassment.

Kesha, who has been battling her former record producer Dr. Luke for years in U.S. courts over allegations of emotional and sexual abuse, performed her defiant single “Praying” alongside Cyndi Lauper, Andra Day, Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha and Julia Michaels and an all-female choir.