BRITAIN:Pop reigned supreme at the Brits last night as Take That and Mika scooped two of the top awards at the British music industry's big night of the year.
To crown their comeback as one of the longest-running boybands in the business, Take That fought off tough competition from the Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs to be named Best British Live Act.
The Beirut-born Mika opened the show with a medley of his hits set against a backdrop of fireworks exploding across the stage before being named Best British Breakthrough Act.
Adele, whose debut album 19 went straight to the top of the charts, was named as the Critics' Choice and confessed afterwards "My heart's beating so fast". Hip-hop star Kanye West was picked as Best International Male Solo Artist, while Mark Ronson, famed for his collaboration with stars like Amy Winehouse, scooped the Best British Male Solo Artist.
Australian Kylie Minogue underlined the pop theme by performing Wow in a gold figure-hugging dress flanked by dancers in shiny metallic tracksuits.
She won the Best International Female Solo Artist award, telling fans: "I'm all overcome. This is so incredible." The show was a real family affair with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne joined by son Jack and daughter Kelly to present the Brits, which was broadcast live on national television.
One of the biggest cheers of the night was given to soul singer Amy Winehouse, who consistently grabs the headlines for her battle against drugs rather than her musical talent.
Winehouse, who earlier this month won five Grammy Awards, joined Mark Ronson on stage to perform the hit Valerie. The Foo Fighters were double award winners, landing the Best International Album and Best International Group awards.
The US four-piece rock band was formed by Dave Grohl, former drummer with Nirvana, in Seattle in the 1990s. Their release Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace won the best rock album Grammy award earlier this month.
The awards top a difficult year for the industry, battling to adapt to the digital age. But the world's third biggest record market after the United States and Japan did have some homegrown good news to celebrate - seven of last year's top 10 best-selling albums were British.
And the award goes to:
Best British Group: Arctic Monkeys.
Best British Live Act: Take That.
Best International Group: Foo Fighters.
Best British Female artist: Kate Nash.
Best International Female Solo Artist: Kylie Minogue.
Best British Male Solo Artist: Mark Ronson.
Best International Male Solo Artist: Kanye West.
Best British Breakthrough Act: Mika.
Critics' Choice award: Adele.
Best British Single: Take That for Shine.
Best British Album: Arctic Monkeys for Favourite Worst Nightmare.
Best International Album: Foo Fighters for Echoes Silence Patience and Grace.
Outstanding Contribution to Music Award: Paul McCartney.