Duffy was the biggest winner at the Brits, scooping three out of four awards as best British female solo artist, best British breakthrough act, and best British album (for \'Rockferry\', featuring Bernard Butler, Makoto Sakamoto and Martin Slatterly on drums and percussion).

Drummer Will Champion and his band Coldplay were nominated for four awards less than a month after they won three Grammys in the US, but eventually returned home empty-handed.

In the international categories, Kings of Leon, featuring Nathan Followill on drums, won as best group and best album (for \'Only By The Night\'). They also performed live during the ceremony, along with U2 and Take That among others.

Rapper Kanye West took a Brit Award as best male. Katy Perry was named best international female.

The event at London\'s Earls Court was also a triumph for drummer Richard Jupp and his gang of indie underdogs Elbow. After nearly two decades of performing together, the Bury outfit took the Brit for best group.

Paul Weller scooped a Brit as British male solo artist, Iron Maiden - with long-time sticksman Nicko McBrain in their line-up - won as best British live act,

The Pet Shop Boys walked away with a special Brit award for an outstanding contribution to music. During their live performance, they brought a medley of all their greatest hits such as West End Girls, and In Surburbia.