dressed to impress: 30 years of British music: A night to remember (for the good not the bad)

The BRITS celebrated its 30th anniversary last night and for the first time in 21 years broadcasted live from Earl’s Court, London.

The music awards show has not been broadcast live since 1989 when Samantha Fox and Mick Fleetwood presented the ceremony and with their radical behaviour on stage caused a monumental stir in the media.

But the risk paid off. The show went down a storm with live performances from Lilly Allen, who opened the show, Cheryl Cole, a duet from Dizzee Rascal and Florence + The Machine, Lady Gaga, Jay Z and Alicia Keys and Robbie Williams.

Gaga dedicated her eclectic and dazzling performance to the late Alexander McQeen, while Robbie performed a fantastic medley of some of his greatest hits after he picked up the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music award, previously given to U2, The Rolling Stones and The Pet Shop Boys.

The evening, hosted by Peter Kay, saw many stars pick up much deserved awards. JLS, the boy band who came second to Alexandra Burke in The X Factor picked up two awards.

Gaga picked up a total of three awards, getting more and more emotional with each acceptance speech. She thanked her fans, saying that she loved her British fans so very much. She may have stole the show for the number of awards won, but as usual her choice of outfit also created a stir.

A bouffant of white hair, lace face-mask and eyelashes and a nude and white lace body suit got lots of attention, but did not outshine her great voice and performance.

The star performance of the night went to Dizzee and newcomer Florence + The Machine who sang You’ve got the love; the red-head picked up her BRIT after gaining critical acclamation at last year’s show.

Jay Z showed pride as he picked up his award and noted his achievement of bringing Hip Hop to Glastonbury, an achievement he openly shared with the crowd.

Host of this year’s show Kay kept audiences laughing with his witty banter and jokes throughout the two hour show. Fearne Cotton played her part as backstage host with her usual success and flair.

The bad egg award for the evening went to the infamous risk-taker Liam Gallagher, who, after accepting his award for Oasis’ best album of the last ten years, threw the gong into the crowd. Kay reiterated thoughts from everyone by calling him a “Knobhead” moments later.

After what is sure to go down in history as a great evening and milestone anniversary celebration, those who won, deserved it and those who lost are offered commiserations all around.

Memorable images from the night:

Robbie performed an outdtanding medley of songs