NEW YORK (AFP) - English pop writer Ed Sheeran won his third Grammy (Jan 29 morning, Singapore) as he took Best Pop Vocal Album for Divide, which was nonetheless shut out of the most prestigious categories.

Divide won over albums by other major chart-toppers including pop superstar Lady Gaga and rockers Coldplay.

Sheeran, 26, had been a favourite leading up to the nominations for the Grammys in light of his past recognition at the awards and his awesome commercial success, including his status as last year's most streamed artist on Spotify.

But in a surprise seen as reflecting shifts in US pop culture, hip-hop for the first time dominated the major nominations, and Sheeran was left in the cold.

Divide generated a series of major hits for Sheeran including the minimalist dance number Shape Of You and the romantic ballad Perfect.

He was not present to pick up the award, which was handed out at a ceremony ahead of the main Grammy broadcast.

He also bagged Best Pop Solo Performance for Shape Of You, about finding love in a bar.