SCOTS singer-songwriter Emeli Sande was the toast of the Brit awards last night as she picked up the Critics' Choice prize.

Sande, who grew up in Alford, Aberdeenshire, and studied at Glasgow University, had huge chart success with Next To Me, as well as writing songs for stars such as Leona Lewis and Rihanna.

Record-breaking star Adele was crowned Queen of Pop at the glittering ceremony when she won the coveted Best Female Artist prize.

The 23-year-old shrieked: "Oh my Gawd" as it was announced she had capped an incredible year by winning the biggest prize in British music, beating such stars as Jessie J and Kate Bush.

Collecting the award from Kylie Minogue at the show in London's O2 Arena, she joked: "I feel like a drag queen next to you.

"It's been an amazing year. I'd like to thank my record company for letting me be the kind of artist I want to be."

Ed Sheeran beat acts such as Noel Gallagher, James Morrison and Professor Green to the title of best British male, and also won the best breakthrough prize.

Coldplay, who kicked off the show with their track Charlie Brown, took the prize for best British group, having previously won Brits in 2003 and 2001.

Show host James Corden asked guests to take a moment to remember "the great, the unique" Whitney Houston, who died earlier this month.

The show attracted a galaxy of stars, who brought all of the glitz and glamour the they could muster to the red carpet.

Chart-topping star Florence Welch, who will play T in the Park this year with Florence and the Machine, appeared in a dazzling gown by Sarah Burton. Also adding style to the event was singer Katie Melua who arrived with fiance James Toseland, the former World Superbike champion.

VIP guests included former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, actor Ray Winstone. Comedian Corden hosted the event for the second year running.

l Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are also lined up for T in the Park, at Balado in Kinross, from July 6 to 8.