The Brit awards: Lady Gaga steals the show

Flamboyant chanteuse Lady Gaga swept the U.K.'s Brit Awards Tuesday winning three categories and offering an emotional tribute to Alexander McQueen, the British fashion designer who died last week.
Gaga collected awards for best international female artist, best international breakthrough act and best international album for "The Fame," and performed at the ceremony wearing a towering white wig and lace veil - complete with ornate lace eyebrows.
At points, the singer appeared overcome with emotion and paid tribute to McQueen as she collected her first prize - referring to the designer by the name Lee. "Thank you to Lee McQueen," Gaga said, her voice strained. Gaga, a friend of McQueen, recently wore his iconic lobster-claw shoes in her "Bad Romance" music video. The designer was found dead Thursday after apparently committing suicide.
On her triple-award win Gaga said it was all down to her British fans:
"I was rejected for so long and I had such a difficult time in the music industry and I've always been an outsider and I would like to thank the British public tonight for making me feel like I was part of their club," she said.
The awards are the British equivalent of the Grammys, with most winners selected by a vote of more than 1,000 industry members.
U.S. rapper Jay-Z also claimed an award, for best international male, during a ceremony at London Earl's Court arena. Other international nominees had included Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Jay-Z, Michael Buble and Shakira. British boy band JLS claimed an award for best domestic breakthrough act.
Speaking backstage the boys said: "It's just absolutely incredible. It's just amazing, it's crazy."
Recently split rockers Oasis were also honored on the night with their "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" being named best British album of the last 30 years, while Kasabian were named best British band.
"We've been together since 1998 and it's long over due, so thank God the people have realized we deserve a bastard award," said Kasabian's frontman Tom Meighan backstage.
Florence and the Machine took home The MasterCard British Album award for the album "Lungs."
"It almost feels like you are welcomed in to the fold, you know, they send you out. It's like being one of those, you know when boys come of age and they get sent out in the desert to do a trial - that's kind of how it feels. You get send out into the wilderness and you have to prove yourself and then you get to come back and they are like 'yes, you are a pop star now,'" said Florence backstage.
The British female solo artist went to Lily Allen. She said she's glad she won the BRIT award:
"It feels really really good. Thank you."
Dizzee Rascal picked up the award for British male solo artist - a category which also saw his friend Calvin Harris nominated.
"It's ridiculous, especially being an independent artist as well around all these artists that I respect and admire," said Dizzee when asked about his win.
Former "Take That" member and solo artist Robbie Williams received a special award for contribution to music.
The award for the BRITS performance of the last 30 years went to Spice Girls for their 1997 performance of Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are?
"We've still got it. Can you believe after all these years we've still got it? We're lasting longer than some political leaders," said Geri Halliwell backstage.
"We are very excited to have won this award. I just wish that all five of us could have been here to get it," added band-mate Mel B.
Prince Harry addressed the ceremony in a recorded video message, giving the show - which has sometimes taken a raucous turn in the past - a royal stamp of approval.
Harry, third in line to the British crown, praised the awards as a celebration of "all that is totally wonderful and unique about British music."
Full list of winners:

Brits performance of the last 30 years: Spice Girls for Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are? (1997)

British male solo artist - Dizzee Rascal

International male solo artist - Jay-Z

Brits album of the last 30 years - Oasis for (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

British breakthrough act -JLS

British group - Kasabian

International breakthrough act - Lady GaGa

International female solo artist - Lady GaGa

British female solo artist - Lily Allen

International album - Lady GaGa for The Fame

British single - JLS for Beat Again

The MasterCard British Album - Florence And The Machine for Lungs

British producer - Paul Epworth

Critics' choice - Ellie Goulding

Outstanding contribution to music - Robbie Williams