In pictures: Brit Awards 2014
- Published
Singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding made an impression on the red carpet with a full-length gown, and went on to win best British female at the London gala.
Rudimental were in a buoyant mood before the ceremony with three nominations, but their only success was for best British single, a category determined by public vote.
Prince presented the first award for best British female to Ellie Goulding. The star was flanked by his female band 3rdEyeGirl - and the show's host, comedian James Corden, stopped to take a selfie with the musician.
US singer Katy Perry gave a colourful Egyptian-themed performance with a large entourage of dancers on the O2's stage. The star failed to walk off with the award for best international female.
It was New Zealander Lorde who walked off with that title, and gave a spine-tingling performance on stage at the gala.
Hirsute quartet Bastille posed with their Brit for best breakthrough act, an elegant trophy designed by hat designer Philip Treacy.
Bruno Mars had reason to celebrate during his performance, which was preceded with a win for best international male.
Singer Lily Allen was a colourful arrival on the red carpet ahead of presenting an award, revealing that she delivered her new album to her record company before the Brits ceremony.
Rudimental and Ella Eyre did an explosive performance of their song Waiting All Night, which won best British single. They took part in a "mash-up" with fellow nominees Bastille, who sang Pompeii.
The honour of closing the show went to Pharrell Williams, who along with Nile Rodgers, performed their hit Happy, which has sold more than a million copies in the UK alone.