Ed Sheeran, One Direction and Coldplay among winners at BRIT Awards 2012
Beside Adele, the teen star Ed Sheeran was the other big winner at the BRIT Awards ceremony last night, who took home two kudos, Ed was named Best British Male Solo Artist and also Best British Breakthrough Act.
The 23-year-old Adele lost out on the Best British Single prize to boy band One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful, but took the coveted album of the year award for 21. The statue was presented by singer George Michael, returning to the stage after suffering life-threatening pneumonia in December.
Another winner, Rihanna took the stage to collect the coveted Best International Female. She won over Beyonce Knowles, Bjork, Feist and Lady GaGa. The singer, who recently drew controversy for collaborating with her ex Chris Brown, said, "[Thanks to] all my fans who continue to support me no matter what." On the other side, Bruno Mars was named International Male Solo Artist, beating out tough competition from Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, David Guetta and Ryan Adams. Bruno looked delighted as he took to the stage to accept the gong from a red hot Jessie J and dashing comedian Jack Whitehall. "Yeah!" he said, then joked that the award "is almost taller than me."
Having won Best International Breakthrough Act as last year's BRITs, he smiled as he continued: "I want to thank everybody in the UK for supporting me. I've got to thank that table over there, my record company, for making me Best International Male."
Also graciously taking home an award was Lana Del Rey. The Internet sensation, who received a lot of backlash lately for her shaky performance on "Saturday Night Live", was named International Breakthrough Act at the event. She beat Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, Foster the People and Nicki Minaj. "This award means much more to me than you know," she said.
Other winners included Coldplay (Best British Group), One Direction (Best British Single), Foo Fighters (Best International Group). Outstanding Achievement Award went to Blur, and Critics' Choice Award was handed to Emeli Sande. The ceremony also included tributes to two departed divas, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse.
2012 BRIT Awards – winners list:
Best British Male: Ed Sheeran Best British Female: Adele British Breakthrough Act: Ed Sheeran Best British Group: Coldplay Best British Single: "What Makes You Beautiful" - One Direction Best British Album: "21" - Adele Best International Male: Bruno Mars Best International Female: Rihanna Best International Group: Foo Fighters International Breakthrough Act: Lana Del Rey Best British Producer: Ethan Johns Critics' Choice Award: Emeli Sande Outstanding Achievement Award: Blur