Take That Are The Comeback Kings At The Brit Awards

Reformed boyband TAKE THAT proved to be the comeback kings at this year’s (08) Brit Awards, scooping two gongs for British Live Act and British Single for their hit song SHINE.

The pop group saw off competition from rock rivals Arctic Monkeys, Muse and Kaiser Chiefs to take home the prize for British Live Act – the first gong of the night at the London ceremony on Wednesday (20Feb08).

Accepting the gong at London’s Earl’s Court, singer Mark Owen told the crowd:
“We have all worked hard, still trying to dance after all these years. Howard
(Donald) punctured a lung on the last tour so we appear here bruised and battered, but dead chuffed (very happy).”

Arctic Monkeys were also double winners on the night – they were honored for British Group and British Album for Favorite Worst Nightmare.

Meanwhile, other pop acts who led the way at the Brits include producer Mark Ronson (British Male Solo Artist), Kate Nash (British Female Solo Artist), Mika (British Breakthrough Act) and Australian superstar Kylie Minogue (International Female Solo Artist).

The Brit Awards proved to be less fruitful for Leona Lewis, who lost out on all four of the gongs she was nominated for, including British Female Solo Artist and British Single for Bleeding Love.

The night, which was presented by Ozzy Osbourne, his wife Sharon, and kids Kelly and Jack, also saw top performances from the likes of Mika, Rihanna and The Klaxons, and Ronson.

Grace Kelly star Mika opened the ceremony with a spectacular performance of his hit single Love Today, complete with a giant dancehall-themed stage set. He was joined by Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto for a duet of her hit single Standing In The Way Of Control.

Another live highlight was Rihanna’s collaboration with The Klaxons – the two acts teamed up for a stunning rendition of her 2007 summer hit Umbrella. And Ronson impressed with a medley of hits in collaborations with soul newcomer Adele, Daniel Merriweather and longtime partner Amy Winehouse.

Troubled Winehouse took a break from rehab to attend The Brits and her lack of preparation for her performance was obvious – when she joined Ronson on stage for a rendition of their hit single Valerie, her vocals were initially out of time with the music and off-key.

However, the multiple Grammy Awards winner regained her composure and later returned to the stage to give a great solo performance of Love Is A Losing Game.

The ceremony was brought to a close by Sir Paul McCartney, who collected the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize before playing a variety of his classics including Live and Let Die, Hey Jude, and Dance Tonight.

The full list of Brit Awards winners is as follows:

British Male Solo Artist:
Mark Ronson

British Female Solo Artist:
Kate Nash

British Group:
Arctic Monkeys

British Album:
Favorite Worst Nightmare – Arctic Monkeys

British Breakthrough Act:
Mika

British Live Act:
Take That

British Single:
Shine – Take That

International Male Solo Artist:
Kanye West

International Female Solo Artist:
Kylie Minogue

International Group:
Foo Fighters:

International Album:
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace – Foo Fighters

Critics Choice:
Adele

Outstanding Contribution To Music:
Sir Paul McCartney

(MT/WN/KL)