Although most pop fans in the US do not yet know her, it was no surprise that Emeli Sande took home the Brit Award for Album of the Year. It was her second on the night to go with British Female Solo Artist honors as well. This past year her debut collection of elegant pop and soul, Our Version Of Events, turned into a commercial monster in the UK. The #1 hit album sold nearly 1.5 million copies in the UK alone and has spent more weeks in the top 10 of the album chart than any debut album except for the Beatles' Please Please Me. It also generated three top 10 pop hit singles.
The other two award winner of the night, Ben Howard, was more of a surprise. His debut album Every Kingdom has been critically acclaimed. However, it has not been a major commercial success peaking at #6 and generating no major hit singles. That may all change after the awards. Ben Howard was given British Male Artist of the Year and British Breakthrough Act awards. Just like at the Grammys earlier this month, Adele walked away with one more award to add to her sweep last year. Her hit "Skyfall" from the James Bond film of the same name was honored as Single of the Year.
Among the live performers were Justin Timberlake performing "Mirrors" live for the first time. Rock band Muse took the stage with a 60 person orchestra, and One Direction delivered their first live performance of "One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)." Check out the night's top winners below.
- Album Of the Year - Emeli Sande - Our Version Of Events
- Single Of the Year - Adele - "Skyfall"
- British Female Solo Artist - Emeli Sande
- British Male Solo Artist - Ben Howard
- British Group - Mumford and Sons
- British Breakthrough Act - Ben Howard
Album cover courtesy Virgin Records
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