McCartney honoured at Brit Awards

Paul McCartney put his troubles to one side tonight as he was honoured for outstanding achievement at the Brit Awards.

The former Beatle has spent the past week locked in a bitter divorce battle with estranged wife Heather Mills.

He found time between court appearances to rehearse for the Brits however, and closed tonight's ceremony with a 15-minute medley of hits which earned him a standing ovation from the 8,000-strong audience.

The night's other star performer was Amy Winehouse, who sang not once but twice.

Making her return to the British stage after a stint in rehab and fresh from her five-time Grammy success, she belted out 'Valerie' and 'Love Is A Losing Game'.

Winehouse seemed a little out of sync to begin with, but soon hit her stride, and the audience lapped it up.

She mouthed "I love you" into the camera - presumably at husband Blake Fielder-Civil, currently on remand in Pentonville Prison - and urged the crowd: "Make some noise for my husband, my Blake."

The night threw up a few surprises, with Kate Nash beating Leona Lewis to the Best British Female title.

Producer Mark Ronson won Best British Male - the first non-singer ever to take the award.

Ronson, who was born in England but moved to the US aged eight, told the audience: "I've never felt so British or male in my entire life."

Take That were double winners, scooping Best Live Act and Best Single for 'Shine', as were Arctic Monkeys.

The Sheffield band won Best British Group and Best British Album for 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'.

They maintained their reputation for not taking awards ceremonies too seriously by turning up attired as country gents, complete with tweed breeches and flat caps, and blowing a hunting horn on stage.

The band were cut off during their second speech for poking fun at the Brits School - which spawned Critics' Choice Award winner Adele, Amy Winehouse and Kate Nash.

Other winners included Mika (Best British Breakthrough Act) and Kanye West (Best International Male).

X Factor's Leona Lewis was nominated in four categories but came away with nothing, despite having the biggest-selling UK single of 2007 with 'Bleeding Love'.

Kylie Minogue won Best International Female and performed new hit 'Wow'.

The night belonged to Macca, however.

Those expecting a reference to his recent woes were left disappointed, as McCartney gave only the briefest of speeches.

"I'm hugely privileged to have been in the Quarrymen, the Beatles, Wings and the solo stuff," he said. "I just think British music is the best."

His medley included 'Live And Let Die' - the Bond theme he co-wrote in 1973 with his late, adored wife Linda.

Beatles classics 'Hey Jude', 'Lady Madonna' and 'Get Back' completed the set, along with 'Dance Tonight', from his latest album 'Memory Almost Full'.

Prior to accepting the honour, the 65-year-old star insisted: "It's actually not lifetime achievement. I try to avoid those because it feels like you're going to die the next second."

Remarkably, this was the first ever Brit for McCartney.

Gennaro Castaldo of HMV said: "Brits recognition of Sir Paul McCartney's outstanding contribution to music has been long overdue. Macca gave a fantastic performance to remind everyone just why he is such an icon.

"He hasn't rested on his laurels demanding respect and adulation like other artists, but keeps working hard to remain as relevant as ever and to remind us of his unmatched talent as a writer and entertainer."

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne hosted the awards ceremony, aided by their children, Kelly and Jack.

The event was broadcast live on ITV1 and the famously foul-mouthed family were the model of decorum until comedian Vic Reeves arrived on stage.

His quip about Kylie, saying she was "all right, a bit of work there and she will be OK" was met with silence.

Reeves appeared to forget which award he was presenting - prompting Sharon to shout: "Shut up, you're p**ed, p*** off you b******."

Other presenters included 'Lord of the Rings' star Ian McKellen. The openly gay actor told the audience: "If you're wondering what I'm doing at the Brits, I came to meet Mika."

Here is a list of the winners at tonight's Brit music awards.

Best British Live Act - Take That

Critics' Choice award - Adele

Best British Breakthrough Act - Mika

Best Internation Male Solo Artist - Kanye West

Best British Male Solo Artist - Mark Ronson

Best International Female Solo Artist - Kylie Minogue

Best International Group - Foo Fighters

Best British Female - Kate Nash

Best International Album - Foo Fighters for 'Echoes Silence Patience Grace'

Best British Group - Arctic Monkeys

Best British Album - Arctic Monkeys for 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'

Best British Single - Take That for 'Shine'

Outstanding Contribution to Music - Sir Paul McCartney.