Chilis, Timberlake and Gnarls lead early Grammy winners

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake and Gnarls Barkley were big winners at last night's Grammy Awards before the prize giving ceremony started.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers claimed three of the 95 awards announced before the show got underway at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

The rock veterans claimed Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal and Best Rock Song for Dani California, while their album Stadium Arcadium picked up the Grammy for Best Boxed (Set) Or Special Limited Edition Package.

Gnarls Barkley also claimed a string of early gongs, taking home Best Alternative Music Album for St Elsewhere and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for 2006 summer anthem Crazy.

Timberlake, who was fighting flu at the Grammys, picked up a pre-ceremony prize for Best Dance Recording (Sexy Back).

Meanwhile, 2007 Grammy Awards queen Mary J Blige, who led the pack with eight nominations, claimed her first award before she took her seat - Best R&B Song for Be Without You.