Emeli Sande queen of BRITs

Emeli Sandé "feels amazing" after being honoured as the British Female Solo Artist of the year at Wednesday's BRIT Awards.

The Scottish singer beat out the late Amy Winehouse, Jessie Ware, Bat for Lashes and Paloma Faith in the category.

Rock band Muse kicked off the show backed by a 60-piece string section with a stellar performance of their song Supremacy.

Shortly after, Emeli was gracious at the podium after picking up the first award of the night from American country crooner Taylor Swift.

"Wow. Good evening everybody. This feels amazing. This is incredible. I am so happy to win this award on this incredible whirlwind. Thank you to my wonderful family, mum, dad, Lucy and my incredible husband [Adam Gouraguine]," she gushed.

"I don't really know what to say - thank you to everybody who's allowed me to make my music and allowed me to even be considered."

Emeli garnered nods in three categories at this year's ceremony and her EP Our Version Of Events triumphed as the British Album of the Year.

Justin Timberlake wowed audiences with the performance premiere of his new song Mirrors.

The dapper singer was donned in a suit and tie with the spotlight beaming solely on him at the beginning of the tune.

His backing band was slowly incorporated into the show and Justin ended it clapping along with the audience while singing the chorus.

British boy band One Direction - which is comprised of Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson - impressed viewers with their live rendition of charitable single One Way Or Another, which benefits UK philanthropic organisation Comic Relief. Sparks were literally flying as they performed on a massive pinball machine.

The highly successful group also picked up the BRITs Global Success Award.

Emeli closed out the ceremony with a medley of her tracks Clown and Next To Me.

The glamorous event was held at London's O2 Arena.


2013 BRIT Awards winners:

Mastercard British Album of the Year:
Emeli Sandé - Our Version Of Events

British Female Solo Artist:
Emeli Sandé

British Male Solo Artist:
Ben Howard

British Group:
Mumford & Sons

British Breakthrough Act:
Ben Howard

British Live Act:
Coldplay

International Female Solo Artist:
Lana Del Rey

International Male Solo Artist:
Frank Ocean

International Group:
Black Keys

British Single:
Adele - Skyfall

BRITs Global Success Award:
One Direction

British Producer of the Year:
Paul Epworth

Critics' Choice:
Tom Odell

Special Recognition Award:
War Child