Emotional Lady Gaga sweeps UK's Brit Awards
Lady Gaga backs up her headgear with three awards and a moving tribute to Alexander McQueen
Glam pop artist Lady Gaga dominated the 30th BRITs on Tuesday, winning a trio of awards at the British pop music industry's flagship ceremony, the first international act to do so for five years.
Gaga, dressed in a ghostly carnival headdress and skimpy lace outfit, picked up awards for International Female Solo Artist, International Breakthrough Act and Best International Album for The Fame, winning every category in which she was nominated.
The singer, on top of the British music charts for most of the last 12 months, dedicated an eerie live performance to fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who died last week.
At points, she appeared overcome with emotion and paid tribute to McQueen as she collected her first prize — referring to the designer by the name Lee. "Thank you to Lee McQueen," Gaga said, her voice strained.
Gaga, a friend of McQueen, recently wore his iconic lobster-claw shoes in her Bad Romance music video. The designer was found dead last Thursday after apparently committing suicide.
British boy band JLS, who finished second in TV talent show The X Factor in 2008, polished off a year of number one singles and a top-selling album with two awards — best British group and best British single for Beat Again.
Lily Allen was crowned best British female artist and Dizzee Rascal was named best British male, capping his successful transition from rapper to bona fide pop star. Rascal's latest album, Tongue N' Cheek, has yielded three number one singles — Dance Wiv Me, Holiday and Bonkers — which have had as much to do with house music as rap.
It was a big night for hip-hop. US rapper Jay-Z won the International Male Solo Artist award and delivered a powerful rendition of his hit Empire State of Mind with Alicia Keys.
Undeterred by a wet winter's night, hundreds of star-struck fans toughed it out outside the west London venue hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.
The event has become known for overblown performances by the winning artists and Tuesday ran true to form.
Allen opened the night with a rendition of The Fear, backed by male dancers who dropped to the stage dressed in pink camouflage, brandishing machine guns and Union Jack umbrellas.
Indie rockers Kasabian, winners of best British group, played their song Fire behind a wall of flames and the four members of JLS began Beat Again as four crucifixes hung high above the stage.
Giving thanks
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher produced the night's only real moment of mischief, tossing his microphone and award into the crowd after accepting the BRITs Album of 30 Years for their 1995 album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. He thanked all the original members of the band — except brother Noel, who quit last year.
Spice Girls Mel B and Geri Halliwell accepted the award for Best Brit performance of 30 years on behalf of the Spice Girls for their 1997 performance of Who Do You Think You Are?.
Florence and the Machine grabbed the best album award for Lungs and former Take That member Robbie Williams, who went on to success as a solo artist, received an Outstanding Contribution to Music award.
"Yeah, I've chipped in," said Williams, who delivered a medley of hits such as Angels. "Odds and sods over the years."
