Adele’s big moment passes in a Blur

Record-breaking star Adele was crowned the queen of the Brits tonight — but saw her big moment ruined when her speech was cut short.

Wed, 22 Feb, 2012 - 00:00

Anthony Barnes

The singer landed two trophies at the glitzy event when she collected the best British female award and best album for 21.

But a rambling acceptance speech by earlier winner Damon Albarn meant she was barely able to deliver a speech and she gestured with her middle finger in frustration on-stage.

Adele, 23, said the insult was aimed at “the suits”, after show host James Corden interrupted her to wind up her words.

Time ran short when Albarn spent several minutes thanking people who had helped Blur as the band collected their outstanding contribution prize. Adele was forced off to allow Blur to perform a set of their hits.

Earlier, Adele was pipped to the award for best British single by boy band One Direction — featuring Westmeath’s Niall Horan.

‘What Makes You Beautiful’ by the X Factor heartthrobs — who came third in the ITV1 contest — landed the prize in a public vote, beating Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’.

The group dedicated the award to their fans, with singer Harry Styles adding: “Everything we do is for you, and this is yours.”

Backstage, One Direction joked that they were going to struggle with just one trophy.

Horan said: “We have to break the award into five. Or we need to photocopy it.

And Styles said the group had their eye on a big name collaborator: “We would love to work with Adele.”

Dozens of the biggest stars in the music business gathered at the arena in south-east London to celebrate the most important night in the British music calendar.

Rihanna —– wearing an elegant gold dress with a plunging neckline —– took the best international female title for the second year running.

Earlier Corden asked guests to remember “the great, the unique” Whitney Houston, who died earlier this month.

Brit winners

* British male solo artist: Ed Sheeran

* British female solo artist: Adele

* British breakthrough act: Ed Sheeran

* British group: Coldplay

* British single: One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful

* British album of the year: Adele, 21

* International male solo artist: Bruno Mars

* International female solo artist: Rihanna

* International group: Foo Fighters