The late music legend, who died from cancer a year ago, took home Best British Album for 'Blackstar' and Best British Male Solo Artist.
- Feb 23, 2017
AceShowbiz - The 2017 BRIT Awards celebrated the best British musicians from different music genres on Wednesday, February 22. David Bowie posthumously triumphed at the annual gala as he nabbed two main prizes including Best British Album for "Blackstar".
Bowie's son Duncan Jones made an emotional speech as he accepted the award on his father's behalf. "I lost my dad last year, but I also became a dad," said Jones. "I was sending a lot of time after getting over the shock trying to work out what would I want my son to know about his grandad."
"I think it would be the same thing that most of my dad's fans have taken over the last 50 years. He's always been there supporting people who think they're a little bit weird or a bit strange," he continued, before adding that he dedicated the award "for all the kooks."
Bowie was also awarded the prize for Best British Male Solo Artist, which was collected by Michael C. Hall, the lead actor in the Bowie-produced musical "Lazarus". "If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn't be here tonight," Hall said. "But since he can't be here tonight, I'm here on his behalf and on behalf of his family to accept this testament to a man beholden to nothing but his own boundless imagination and daring."
Other big winners of the night were Emeli Sande, who won Best British Female Artist and delivered a live rendition of her single "Hurts", and girlband Little Mix, who collected Best British Single of the Year for "Shout Out to My Ex". Meanwhile, One Direction took home Best British Video Award for "History".
"This is amazing, thank you so much," the group's Liam Payne said when he was handed the trophy by mentor Simon Cowell. "I know I speak on behalf of the rest of the boys when I say we can't believe we're still winning these and the sheer devotion that are fans have shown us is absolutely amazing." He then reassured fans that his bandmates were still a unit despite taking their break. "We have been taking some time out working on our solo music, but One Direction is who we are and who we will always be."
Among other winners were Adele, who accepted BRITs Global Success Award via video, Beyonce Knowles, who won Best International Female Artist, and Drake, who took home Best International Male Artist. Broadcast live on U.K. TV channel ITV, the annual event was hosted by British TV personalities Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis.
Full Winners List of 2016 BRIT Awards:
- British Female Solo Artist: Emeli Sande
- British Male Solo Artist: David Bowie
- International Group: A Tribe Called Quest
- British Single: Little Mix - "Shout Out to My Ex"
- British Group: The 1975
- International Male Solo Artist: Drake
- British Breakthrough Act: Rag 'N' Bone Man
- BRITs Global Success Award: Adele
- International Female Solo Artist: Beyonce Knowles
- British Artist Video Of The Year: One Direction - "History"
- Mastercard British Album Of The Year: David Bowie - "Blackstar"