Taylor Swift made history as the first female artist to win the Global Icon award
Little Mix, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Haim and Billie Eilish were among the winners at a female-dominated Brit Awards.
The event, which featured an audience of 4,000 people, marked the return of live music to London's O2 Arena after more than a year.
Coldplay delivered a performance of their new single Higher Power from a pontoon on the River Thames, surrounded by hologram dancers and against a backdrop of purple and orange fireworks.
Billie Eilish saw off competition from artists including Cardi B and Taylor Swift to win the international female solo artist gong, while Arlo Parks said it was her "dream to true" to be named breakthrough artist.
Little Mix made history as the first female group to win the best British group prize.
The group – Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards – thanked former bandmate Jesy Nelson and girl groups including Spice Girls who paved the way.
Dua Lipa took home the female solo artist Brit for a second time and called on Boris Johnson improve pay for NHS workers.
Taylor Swift also made history as the first female to receive the Global Icon award.
Afrobeats star J Hus also won the male solo artist Brit Award.
Audience members attending the indoor ceremony were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings once seated.
Olly Alexander said it was a 'dream' to perform with Elton JohnJack Whitehall or Elton John?!Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix enjoying the Brit Awards festivitiesColdplay perform their new single, 'Higher Power' at The BRIT Awards 2021Dua Lipa accepts the award for Female Solo ArtistOlivia Rodrigo performs her viral hit song Driving License during the Brit Awards 2021Little Mix thanked former bandmate Jesy Nelson and paid tribute to the Spice Girls, Girls Aloud and SugababesJack Whitehall during the Brit Awards 2021 at the O2 Arena, London.2,500 key workers were part of the 4000 live audience which saw a return to live music in London
Arlo Parks accepts the award for Breakthrough ArtistMichelle Obama announced the Best International Male ArtistDua Lip performed a medly of her biggest hitsElton John performed It's A Sin with Olly AlexanderOlly Murs was having a grand ol's time!Boy George and his blue hatHaim were just thrilled to pick up the award for Best International BandHarry Style picked up the Best Single gong for Watermelon SugarTaylor Swift watches on as Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez and Annie Lennox pay tribute in a video montageGriff was named the Brits Rising Star of 2021
