Brit Awards 2016

British band Coldplay kicked off the ceremony with a performance of "Hymn for the Weekend" - the second single from their current seventh studio album, "A Head Full of Dreams." Chris Martin and co. went on to make Brit Awards history, receiving the award for best British band for the fourth time. The London four-piece now have a total of nine Brit trophies to their name.

North London-born singer-songwriter Adele was the big winner of the night, taking home three awards for best British female artist, best British single for "Hello" and best British album for her third record, "25," which has already sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The 27-year-old also received a special award for her global success, before closing the show with "When We Were Young."

The respective winners of the best British male and best international male awards, James Bay and Justin Bieber, joined forces to perform Bieber's November chart-topper, "Love Yourself." Following a couple years of somewhat wayward behavior and run-ins with the law, Bieber thanked his fans for their continued support. "Life is a journey," he said, "Everyone has their ups and downs."

Just over a month since his death, British rock star David Bowie was honored with a posthumous "Icon" award. Collecting the prize with actor Gary Oldman, singer Annie Lennox said: "There was no one, and nothing, else like him. He was truly unique." Bowie's band played a medley of tracks before they were joined onstage by New Zealand singer Lorde for a rendition of Bowie's 1971 hit, "Life on Mars."

Despite receiving no nominations at this year's Brit Awards, singer Rihanna took to the stage with Canadian rapper Drake to perform their current collaboration "Work." The 29-year-old Barbadian previously won the award for best international female in 2011 and 2012. This year, the accolade was awarded to Icelandic artist Bjork who accepted the prize with a pre-recorded message.

Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala (seen above) won the gong for best international band. Other winners included Charlie Andrew for best British producer and boy band One Direction, who scooped the best British video prize for "Drag Me Down." Welsh rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen won best British breakthrough act, while the Critics' Choice Award went to Jack Garratt.