BRITS 2017 - Bowie scoops double at muted ceremony

2016 wasn't exactly a vintage year. And last nights BRIT Awards demonstrated that in a remarkably restrained and underwhelming ceremony.

The late David Bowie proved to be the biggest winner of the night with deserved wins for MasterCard British Album Of The Year which was presented by Noel Gallagher. The former Oasis guitarist was clearly not turning up to hand a gomg to The 1975 so his appearance was a mild surprise. Bowie also won Best British Male.

Rising star Rag N Bone Man also had a memorable night winning Critics Choice and Best British Breakthrough after his debut album Human tallied the highest first week sales of a debut album this decade.

Elsewhere , there were wins for The 1975 who picked up the Best British Group and performed a bouncy version of hit single The Sound. The performance confused many viewers at home with its running commentary on screen critiscising the group .

Little Mix opened the ceremony in spectacular style with Shout Out To My Ex , which would later win Best British Single. Its the girls first and overdue BRITS win

The other big pop performanc eof the night came from Katy Perry with new single Chained To The Rhythm. The US star performed amongst a sea of white houses and larger than life puppets thought to be based on Donald Trump and Theresa May.

Its hard to take Perry's 'purposeful pop ' seriously. This is the same woman who mocked Britney Spears mental breakdown on the red carpet at last weeks Grammys. And a performer whose image has been that of a carefully controlled cartoon character who once squirted cream from her breasts in the California Gurls video.

The tribute to the late George Michael was one of the nights high points. Andrew Ridgeley his Wham bandmate , accompanied by Pepsi and Shirley gave an emotional speech about the much missed pop legend.

Chris Martin of Coldplay then appeared to perform a moving version of A Different Corner , with interspersed verses from Michael himself.

Martin re-appeared later for a much hyped collaboration with US dance pop duo The Chainsmokers.

Elsewhere , other winners included One Direction who won Best British Artist Video despite splitting in 2015 , making a complete mockery of the fan voted category.

Adele once again won Best Global Success , as her BRITS wins edges towards double figures.

The show was closed by Robbie Williams who gave a by the numbers performance of tracks from his current album The Heavy Entertainment Show. Ironic , as this was a  ceremony that was light on anything entertaining. Hosts Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis gave an polished if uncharismatic performance as hosts. But still far more likable than James Cordens sycophancy of ceremonies past.

BRIT AWARDS 2017 WINNERS

MASTERCARD BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR David Bowie for Blackstar

BEST BRITISH GROUP  The 1975

BEST BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH Rag n Bone Man

BEST BRITISH SINGLE Little Mix for Shout Out To My Ex

BEST BRITISH MALE  David Bowie

BEST BRITISH FEMALE  Emeli Sande

CRITICS CHOICE  Rag n Bone Man

BEST INTERNATIONAL GROUP A Tribe Called Quest

BEST INTERNATIONAL MALE  Drake

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEMALE   Beyoncé

BEST GLOBAL SUCCESS  Adele

BEST BRITISH ARTIST VIDEO One Direction for History