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Brit Awards 2016: Adele among winners at star-studded bash

Adele was the big winner at the 2016 Brit Awards, taking four awards at a ceremony that also paid a powerful tribute to the late David Bowie.

Other winners included James Bay and Coldplay - who won best British group for a record fourth time and dedicated their award to musicians in refugee camps around the world.

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David Bowie posthumously honoured with Brits Icon

Bowie was named Brit Icon a month after his death from cancer. Credit: Brits/Instagram

Annie Lennox paid tribute to the "legendary" David Bowie as he was posthumously named Brit Icon at this year's awards.

She told the audience: "The legacy of his extraordinary sound and vision will be loved and revered for as long as the earth still spins."

Annie Lennox said Bowie's spirit will live on 'as long as the earth spins'. Credit: PA

Actor Gary Oldman accepted the award on Bowie's behalf.

Remembering his friend, he said: "I can assure you that David faced his illness with enormous courage, with dignity and grace and customary humour.

"Even in dire circumstances, when he wrote to tell me the bad news that he had cancer, he added "the good news is, I've got my cheek bones back."

Gary Oldman said his Bowie handled himself with dignity until the end. Credit: ITV

Bowie got a standing ovation as Oldman continued: "He was the sweetest soul ever, with the best cheek bones until it was done.

"David, you were mortal, but your potential was superhuman and your remarkable music is living on. We love you and we thank you."

Singer Lorde, who Bowie once said was the "future of music", then paid tribute with her own version of Life On Mars?

Lorde performing Bowie's hit Life On Mars? Credit: ITV

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