Adele's already packed award shelf just got that extra bit crowded. On top of the six Grammy Awards that the "Someone Like You" singer picked up earlier this month, Adele took home two of the biggest prizes at the 2012 Brit Awards, held on February 21, at London's O2 Arena.
The 23-year-old London-born artist won British female solo artist and British album of the year for her triumphant sophomore set "21" (XL Recordings). Receiving the award for album of the year, Adele said: "Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys and then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year. I'm so proud to be British and to be flying the flag."
The ceremony, which is the United Kingdom's largest annual music awards show, also marked the singer's first U.K. live appearance since recovering from throat surgery. In stark contrast to her memorable stripped-back performance of "Someone Like You" at last year's event, Adele laid down a towering version of "Rolling in the Deep," backed by a nine-piece band that ended with a standing ovation from the crowd.
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Ed Sheeran, who sang his hit U.K. single "Lego House" at the show, took home awards for British male solo artist and British breakthrough act. Collecting the male solo artist award, Sheeran, who recently turned 21, told the audience: "I honestly didn't think I'd get this one. I want to thank my family, the fans, every single promoter that has ever booked me, every single radio DJ that has ever played me and my label."
Coldplay, who opened the event with an explosive, pyrotechnic-laden run through "Mylo Xyloto" track "Charlie Brown," won best British group, as voted by listeners of the U.K.'s most popular radio station, BBC Radio 2. Collecting the award, drummer Will Champion said "We have to say a very special thank you to all the discerningly, beautiful, intelligent, clever Radio 2 listeners."
"We're so happy to get this award and we thank everybody who is still listening to us," added singer Chris Martin.
Mars also took home the award for international male solo artist, while Rihanna won international female artist, beating Beyonce and Lady Gaga to the title. Collecting the award, the singer - who delighted with her U.S. and U.K. No. 1 smash "We Found Love" at the glitzy bash - dedicated her award, "To all the radio DJs, to all the music channels, everybody at Mercury [Records], Universal, Roc Nation and to all my fans who continue to support me. I love you. This is for you."
The full list of winners:
British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Mastercard British Album of the Year
Adele, "21"
British Breakthrough Act
Ed Sheeran
British Group
Coldplay
British Single
One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"
International Male Solo Artist
Bruno Mars
International Female Solo Artist
Rihanna
International Group
Foo Fighters
International Breakthrough Act
Lana Del Rey
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Blur
Source www.billboard.com
