Duffy dominated The Brit Awards at Earl's Court last night, scooping three awards including the coveted Best Album prize for her debut 'Rockferry'.

Arguably the biggest surprise of the night however, was that Coldplay walked away empty handed despite their four nominations.

Kings of Leon walked home with two gongs - the Best International Group and International Album for 'Only By The Night' - while Elbow were named best British Group.

Coldplay, huge fans of Elbow, gave Guy Garvey and co. a standing ovation upon picking up their award.

Later the mighty Iron Maiden won Best British Live Act and thanked their fans via video-link.

A clearly ill Katy Perry saw off competition from Beyonce, Gabriella Cilmi, Pink and Santigold to collect the award for Best International Female Solo Artist, while Kanye West was named International Male Solo Artist of the year.

Girls Aloud picked up their first ever Brit Award, landing Best British Single for 'The Promise' as voted for by the fans, while the Best British Live Act honour went to Iron Maiden. Paul Weller picked up the award for Best British Male Solo Artist.

U2 followed up their opening performance at the Grammy Awards earlier this month by kicking off proceedings with a performance of their new single 'Get On Your Boots'.

The evening also saw performances from Coldplay, Duffy, Girls Aloud, Kings Of Leon and Take That, while Estelle joined the Ting Tings for a medley of their 2008 hits.

The final award of the night, for Outstanding Contribution to Music, was presented to dance duo the Pet Shop Boys, who then closed the show with another collaboration, performing with Lady GaGa and Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.

(by Scott Colothan)