Beyonce, Jay-Z, Eminem Win Early Grammys

Beyoncé at the 2010 Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

Following on early dance and country Grammy wins by artists like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, a collection of some of the biggest names in hip-hop, pop and R&B were honored with statues before the show kicked off. The winners include Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas and Eminem.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

Nominated for 10 total awards — the most of any artist this year — Beyoncé took home four early awards. For Best R&B Song, her "Single Ladies" triumphed over Jamie Foxx and T-Pain, Maxwell and Jazmine Sullivan. Beyoncé also beat T-Pain and Foxx for Best Contemporary R&B Album (I Am ... Sasha Fierce). In the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category, the singer's "Single Ladies" beat out tunes from Melanie Fiona and others. Her "At Last" cover came out on top for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance over songs from Anthony Hamilton and Ann Nesby.

Beyoncé's husband also took home some pre-show awards. Jay won for Best Rap Solo Performance ("D.O.A. [Death of Auto-Tune]") and Best Rap Song ("Run This Town). He shared that second award with Kanye West and Rihanna.

Eminem won twice as well: Best Rap Album ( Relapse) and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Crack a Bottle"), along with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.

The Black Eyed Peas already have a slew of wins, from Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals ("I Gotta Feeling") to Best Pop Vocal Album (The E.N.D.) to Best Short Form Video ("Boom Boom Pow").

Earlier in the evening, Gaga nabbed two wins (Best Dance Recording and Best Electronic/Dance Album), as did Taylor Swift (Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song category). The "Twilight" soundtrack lost out twice to sounds from "Slumdog Millionaire."

Stick with MTV News for our coverage of the 2010 Grammy Awards! We'll have reports on your favorite nominees, party photos, behind-the-scenes video and much more from the big show!