By Paul Majendie
LONDON (Reuters) -
Pop reigned supreme at the Brit Awards
on Wednesday as comeback kings Take That, Australian star Kylie
Minogue and Beirut-born Mika scooped a clutch of top prizes at
the British music industry's big night of the year.
To crown their comeback as one of the longest-running
boybands in the business, Take That fought off tough
competition from the Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs to be
named Best British Live Act. They also won Best British Single
for "Shine."
The Beirut-born Mika opened the show with a medley of his
hits set against a backdrop of fireworks exploding across the
stage before being named Best British Breakthrough Act.
Hip-hop star Kanye West was picked as Best International
Male Solo Artist, while Mark Ronson, famed for his
collaboration with stars like Winehouse, scooped the Best
British Male Solo Artist.
Australian Kylie Minogue underlined the pop theme by
performing "Wow" in a gold figure-hugging dress flanked by
dancers in shiny metallic tracksuits.
She won the Best International Female Solo Artist award,
telling fans: "I'm all overcome. This is so incredible."
The Foo Fighters were double award winners, landing the
Best International Album and Best International Group awards.
The U.S. four-piece rock band was formed by Dave Grohl,
former drummer with Nirvana, in Seattle in the 1990s. Their
release "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" won the best rock
album Grammy award earlier this month.
The Arctic Monkeys, one of the first groups to build their
fan base on the Internet, won the coveted Best British Group
and Best Album awards.
The show was a real family affair with Sharon and Ozzy
Osbourne joined by son Jack and daughter Kelly to present the
Brits, being broadcast live on national television.
They made a few fluffs and had to control some inebriated
prize presenters but survived the ordeal.
McCartney told cheering crowds as he wrapped up the show "I
do think British music is the best," before launching into a
medley of hits ranging from "Hey Jude" to the Wings hit "Live
and Let Die."
The former Beatle certainly looked to be relieved being
back doing what he does best after a six-day court battle with
former model Heather Mills. She is seeking a slice of his 825
million pound fortune as one of the founders of the world's
most famous pop group.
One of the biggest cheers of the night was given to
troubled soul singer Amy Winehouse, who consistently grabs the
headlines for her battle against drugs rather than her musical
talent.
Winehouse, who earlier this month won five Grammy Awards,
joined Mark Ronson on stage to perform the hit "Valerie."
Winehouse, wearing a short leopard-skin print skirt, said
to the audience "Make some noise for my husband, my Blake."
over a pub brawl.
- For full coverage from the Brit Awards, visit:
http://uk.reuters/news/globalcoverage/brits
(Reporting by Paul Majendie; Editing by Jon Boyle)
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