Adele proved to be the Queen of the Brits, winning four prizes including best British female solo artiste and best album. “To come back after so long away and be so warmly received means so much,” she said.

The star, who closed the show by performing “When We Were Young”, also received best British single and the Global Success award.

The show also featured an emotional tribute to David Bowie, led by Annie Lennox and his friend Gary Oldman. Lennox called Bowie, who died of cancer last month, “a quintessential visionary” and “the ultimate iconoclast.” Oldman then accepted a Brits icon award on behalf of the singer and his family.

Bowie's band then performed a medley of his hits, before New Zealand singer Lorde joined them to sing “Life On Mars”. Bowie had once said listening to Lorde was like 'listening to tomorrow', and the fitting tribute was widely lauded, even by Bowie's son (who was strongly disapproving of Lady Gaga's recent tribute at the Grammys). 

The ceremony was opened by Coldplay, who gave a colourful, floral performance of their single “Hymn For The Weekend”, showering the audience with confetti petals as they played on one of two separate stages at London's O2 arena. They went on to win best British group - making them the most successful band in the ceremony's history.

Other awards went to James Bay, for best male, and Australian psych-rock band Tame Impala, who picked up best international group.

Justin Bieber, who performed his chart-topping singles “Love Yourself” and “Sorry”, won best international male. Other performers included Drake and Rihanna (doing a live version of “Work”), X Factor winners Little Mix, The Weeknd, and James Bay. 

One Direction, who are officially on hiatus, also picked up best video for the space-themed “Drag Me Down”. One Direction's victory in the fan-voted best video category robbed Adele of the opportunity to become the most-garlanded artist in a single Brits ceremony. Adele became more emotional as the ceremony continued, bursting into tears after accepting the global success prize - which recognises success overseas.

Earlier, the star used her best female victory speech to declare support for US pop star Kesha, who has accused record producer Dr Luke of sexual and emotional abuse.

The ceremony at London's O2 Arena and hosted by British comedy duo Ant & Dec, was broadcast live on ITV.

Source: BBC