David Bowie, who died last January, has dominated the 2017 Brit music awards.
The influential and groundbreaking star was awarded best British male and best British album at the UK's prestigious event, for his mournful swansong, Blackstar, which was released two days before his death.
Collecting the best album prize, Bowie's son, the film director Duncan Jones, spoke about the star's enduring legacy.
"He's always been there supporting people who think they're a little bit weird or a little bit strange. He's always been there for them.
"This award is for all the kooks and all the people who make the kooks," he said, referencing the song 'Kooks' his father wrote for him as a child, from the Hunky Dory album.
David Bowie won best British male and best British album at the Brit awards. Photo: Supplied
Bowie died two days after his 69th birthday. Following his death, it emerged he had been fighting cancer for 18 months but had kept his illness quiet.
As well as honouring Bowie, the Brits paid tribute to George Michael, who died on Christmas Day.
His former Wham! bandmates Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie, made an emotional speech, saying: "His beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all."
George Michael died on Christmas Day. Photo: AFP
Coldplay's Chris Martin then sang an understated but moving version of Michael's 'A Different Corner', duetting with a recording of the star's own voice.
Grime artist Skepta stole the show with a blazing performance of his single 'Shut Down'.
South London MC Stormzy joined Ed Sheeran on stage for a new version of his single 'Shape Of You'; while Emeli Sande, the soul star who started out singing on tracks by Wiley and Chipmunk, won best British female.
Rag 'N' Bone man was the other big winner of the night taking home two awards - the critics choice award and best British breakthrough act.
Little Mix kicked off the show, carried above their dancers' heads on sparkling thrones. The girl band later won their first ever Brit, best British single, for their anthemic pop song 'Shout Out To My Ex'.
Katy Perry also put on a stunning performance of her new single 'Chained To The Rhythm', accompanied by two giant skeleton mannequins. One was wearing the red tie favoured by Donald Trump - echoing the song's lyrics, which tacitly address the political upheaval in the States.
Other performances came from Emeli Sande and US dance act The Chainsmokers, who premiered a new single featuring Coldplay, 'Something Just Like This', where Chris Martin threw himself into the crowd.
Adele was recognised with the global achievement award - given to the British artist with the biggest overseas success. The singer, on a break from her world tour, accepted the prize by video.
- BBC