BRITs Go Dizzee And Gaga

Anyone arriving in a three-tiered white dress and towering white wig deserves to win something, and Lady Gaga did that in several styles as she lifted three BRIT Awards at London Earls Court Feb. 17.

The 30th anniversary of the event had been billed as the “battle of the babes,” and UK female acts were well-represented among the nominees. But the show was stolen by an American, as Lady Gaga collected best international female solo artist, best international breakthrough act and best international album for The Fame.

For three decades the BRITS have provided some fluffs, gaffes, pranks and even controversial moments, but this year what the Daily Mail called “an unbearably tame” event – had only Liam Gallagher from Oasis.

“Listen kids … the best bands in the fucking world live forever,” he said while picking up the gong for the best album of the last 30 years, which went to (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?

He hurled his microphone into the audience and shuffled offstage in the wrong direction, prompting awards host Peter Kay to say: “What a knobhead.”

Florence and the Machine won best British album for Lungs, Lily Allen made up for the disappointment of 2007 by taking best British female act, and two of The Spice Girls showed up to collect the award for best Brits performance of the last 30 years for their 1997 performance.

Dizzee Rascal confirmed how he’s built his career on the back of winning the Mercury Prize in 2003 for his debut album Boy in da Corner by taking the best British male artist category, while Kasabian picked up the award for best British group.

It wouldn’t be the Brits without an award for Robbie Williams, who took the prize for outstanding contribution. He’s now won 15 awards, 11 as a solo performer and four with his former band Take That.

The other winners were JLS (best British breakthrough act and best British single), Jay-Z (international male solo artist), Paul Epworth (British producer) and Ellie Goulding (critics’ choice).