Singer Robbie Williams, R&B artist Ms. Dynamite and the alternative band Coldplay won honors as Britain’s top musicians at the Brit Awards Thursday.
Two Americans – rapper Eminem and singer Pink – were named best international male and female solo artists in the British version of the U.S. Grammy Awards.
Ms. Dynamite, who emerged recently and has become one of the country’s top music stars, also won best British urban act, and Coldplay got best British album for “A Rush Of Blood To The Head.” Eminem won best international album for “The Eminem Show.”
Ms. Dynamite performed a retooled version of George Michael’s hit “Faith,” with lyrics expressing opposition to a possible war in Iraq.
“We’ve been here before, talk of violence and talk of war. I don’t wanna see children die no more, so I’ve gotta make a stand,” she sang.
Williams, who first found fame with boy band Take That, was not at the awards show in west London but sent his thanks via video. He used the public platform to tell fans he was available, having recently split from his girlfriend.
“I’d like to thank the Brits for allowing me to put my lonely hearts message out there,” he said.
Williams has sold nearly 10 million albums in Britain and has had a series of No. 1 hits, including “Millennium,” “She’s the One” and “Rock DJ.”
Former Bee Gee Robin Gibb, at the ceremony as an award presenter, recalled his brother Maurice, who died last month at 53.
“My brother Maurice Gibb was a great British musician and a great British songwriter, and tonight I’m here in his honor,” Robin Gibb said.
Tom Jones was honored for his “outstanding contribution to music.” He dedicated the award to his parents and thanked his fans.
“I’ve been doing this now for 38, 39 years,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and now this, after all these years, can you believe it?”
Other winners included the Red Hot Chili Peppers for best international group and Norah Jones for best international breakthrough artist.
Liberty X won best British single for “Just A Little,” Blue won best pop act, the Sugababes won best British dance act, and Will Young was named best British breakthrough artist.
The Brit Awards are run by the British Phonographic Industry Ltd., an industry association.
Most winners are selected by a vote of more than 1,000 industry members, including representatives from record companies, the press, retailers, record producers, DJs and promoters.