Music
25 Feb 16

Adele rules Brits Awards

The record-breaker singer received one of her four gongs from space, while Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Tame Impala also triumphed. David Bowie was honoured with an icon award, Rihanna gave her first UK performance in almost four years, and the show was subject to a diversity controversy

After a year in which she swept all before her, it was no surprise to see Adele dominate the BRIT awards last night.
She claimed the Best British female solo artist and picked up the Global Success award after the worldwide triumph of 25. That LP was named British Album of the year, while its lead cut 'Hello' was named Best British single.
For the global honour, organisers looked beyond the globe, as the award was presented via satellite link by astronaut Tim Peake, currently onboard the International Space Station. The singer became visibly emotional collecting the trophy: “Not bad for a girl from Tottenham who doesn’t like flying," she remarked.
Coldplay shattered a record themselves on the night, claiming Best British Band honours for the fourth time - surpassing a mark they had shared with the Arctic Monkeys. The band had opened the show with a typically technicolour rendition of 'Hymn for The Weekend'.
Perhaps the standout performance of the night was from Rihanna, who gave here 'Work' single a run-out with the help of Drake. Shaking what Mrs. R gave her, it was the first time the Barbadian had strutted her stuff on a UK stage since 2012.
Predictably, the death of David Bowie cast a shadow on the 02 Arena event. The late Starman was honoured with a Brit Icon award which Annie Lennox presented to his old friend Gary Oldman, while Lorde took the lead on an arresting performance of 'Life On Mars'.
James Bay was named Best British Male solo artist, while Justin Bieber grabbed the international equivalent. Bjork took Best International Female bragging rights while, in something of a surprise for the Brits, Tame Impala were crowned Best International Band.
Further awards went to Catfish and the Bottlemen (Best British Breakthrough), One Direction (British Video) and Charlie Andrew (British Producer).
The show, though, was marred by a row over the diversity of nominees. Black artists including Laura Mvula, Stormzy and Big Narstie railed against the lack of recognition for artists of colour, receiving support from the likes of Wolf Alice and Jack Garratt. It led to the hashtag #BritsSoWhite doing the rounds - an obvious reflection of the #OscarsSoWhite effort earlier this year - and organisers have pledged to look at ensuring greater balance and recognition in the future.