British singer Adele steals the show on Wednesday at the 2016 BRIT Awards in London. (Photo/CCTV.com)
British singer Adele stole the show on Wednesday at the 2016 BRIT Awards in London, making a triumphant return to the star-studded ceremony as she picked up four trophies, including the coveted "Album of the Year" award.
Adele's third studio album, "25", was the best-selling album of 2015, and though its November release date took it out of the running for a Grammy, it has now gained its first major award-show recognition at the BRITs.
"To come back after so long away and be so warmly received is really lovely - thank you so much. And to all the other girls that are nominated, thank you for letting me be in your company, you're all incredible, you're all amazing, and it's a privilege to be alongside you," Adele said.
The London-born singer also scooped awards for Best British Female, Best British Single, and the "BRITs Global Success" award. She was the only artist or group to receive more than one award at the ceremony.
After a shaky performance at the Grammys earlier in the month, after which Adele said she cried all day, she closed the show with an accomplished rendition of "When We Were Young", a song from "25", having changed into a star-spangled glittery gown before her performance.
Singer Annie Lennox and actor Gary Oldman paid homage to David Bowie, who died last month aged 69, before a musical tribute by New Zealand singer Lorde and Bowie's touring band.
Rihanna marked her first performance on British soil since 2012 with a raunchy performance of "Work", her new song with Drake.
There were also performances on the night by Britain's James Bay, who was awarded best British Male, and Justin Bieber, who was awarded Best International Male. He ran onto the main stage behind a ring of fire to perform his hit "Sorry" with a troupe of backing dancers.
British group Coldplay had kicked off proceedings with their song "Hymn for the Weekend", and also picked up the award for Best British Group.
