David Bowie posthumously won two Brit awards on Wednesday in an emotional London ceremony which also saw tributes paid to the late George Michael.
Superstar Bowie won both the categories he was nominated for, picking up awards for British male solo artist and best album for “Blackstar” at the ceremony in London’s O2 Arena.
Becoming the first artist to win posthumously at the Brit Awards, he beat Mercury Prize winner Skepta and Michael Kiwanuka to the two awards among other nominees.
Accepting the best album award on behalf of his late father, film director Duncan Jones dedicated it to “all the kooks” and spoke of Bowie’s support of unusual people.
Scottish artist Emeli Sande, who also performed at the arena, was named British female solo artist.
Nearly five years after shooting to fame with performances at the 2012 London Olympics, she scooped the prize ahead of Anohni, Ellie Goulding,Lianne La Havas, and Nao.
The British group statuette went to The 1975, a quartet from Manchester,northwest England, who swept aside Radiohead, Biffy Clyro, Bastille and Little Mix.
The ceremony was tinged with sadness as stars paid tribute to Wham! singer Michael, who died on Christmas Day last year aged 53.
His former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley gave a moving tribute, alongside pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie, which was followed by a performance of Michael’s “A Different Corner” by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Leonard Cohen, who died in November aged 82, and Prince whose death at 57 last year shocked the music world, both featured in a video of people in the industry who died during 2016.
Coldplay lost out in the British single category, which went to Little Mix for their catchy “Shout Out To My Ex”. The win was the first Brit award for the four-strong female group, whose performance opened the night.
The British breakthrough act award went to singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man, beating hopefuls Anne-Marie, Blossoms, Skepta and Stormzy.
One Direction won the British artist video of the year for “History”, winning against a lengthy list of nominees including Adele — who was given a global success award during the ceremony.
