Taylor Swift leads Brit winners

Taylor Swift won her first ever Brit Award on Wednesday night.

The Shake It Off singer beat Beyoncé, Sia, Lana Del Rey and St.Vincent to be crowned International Female Solo Artist.

And taking to the stage at the O2 Arena in London, Taylor paid tribute to her close friend and frequent collaborator Ed Sheeran for all his help over the years.

"Honestly I know I wouldn't be up here if it wasn't for one of my best friends who took me to pubs and taught me how to make a good cup of tea and taught me everything I know about the UK," Taylor told the audience. "I just want to say I love you Ed Sheeran."

Ed had earlier been crowned a winner himself, after taking the British Male Solo Artist award.

Taylor also mentioned her fellow English pals Cara Delevingne, Ellie Goulding, who presented her with the award, and Sam Smith.

"I also want to thank my other British friends – Cara, Ellie and Sam, I'm very lucky to have them in my life," she added. "And I'm very lucky to have the British fans in my life, I love you."

Notably absent from storming the stage was Kanye West, who famously interrupted Taylor when she beat Beyoncé to win a MTV Video Music Award back in 2009.

Kanye was present at the ceremony, where he performed new track All Day, after being introduced by his wife Kim Kardashian.

Meanwhile Taylor had opened the ceremony with a stylish performance of her hit track Blank Space.

Wearing a black jacket and tiny shorts, Taylor gave the performance her all as she belted out the song.

Other winners from the early part of the ceremony included Royal Blood, who were crowned Best British Group, Paloma Faith, who won British Female Solo Artist and Sam Smith who received the Global Success gong.