Mika's BRIT Kicking Opener

The biggest night in the music calendar began with an energetic performance from Mika and the Gossip's Beth Ditto.

The Lebanese-born British singer opened the Brits show with a medley of hits including his own songs Love Today and Grace Kelly.

He duetted with Beth, who was wearing a tight-fitting fuschia pink dress, for a version of the Gossip's Standing In The Way of Control.

Rock's 'royal couple' Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne hosted the Earls Court show live on ITV1 from their own on-stage "residence", described as part Addams Family mansion and part Beckingham Palace.

This year's Brits featured a "glam" stage with gold drapes and a punk stage.

The Osbournes were surrounded by two giant sculptures of dogs and a totem pole featuring a skull and gigantic bat, a reminder of Ozzy's infamous bat-eating incident.

Sharon Osbourne, standing on stage with her husband and children Kelly and Jack, said: "That's what I call a big arse opening number."

Take That British Live Act award to Take That, who were kitted out in suits.

Gary Barlow described it as "unbelievable".

Bandmate Jason Orange said he had an arthritic knee and added: "We appear before you bruised and battered, but dead chuffed.

"We are so honoured. We've worked so hard over the years."

He reminded the audience of Howard Donald's recent punctured lung injury.

Rihanna then performed a dramatic version of her number one smash Umbrella, surrounded by green lasers.

Adele took the honour of the Critics' Choice award, which was voted for by a team of experts made up of music critics and heads of music at major radio and TV stations.

Mika was chosen as best British Breakthrough Act.

Will Young presented the Critics' Choice award to Adele, a graduate of the BRIT School in Croydon.

Accepting the prize, the Londoner said: "My heart's beating so fast."

She also thanked her "beautiful" mother.

Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who played Henry VIII in The Tudors, presented the Best Breakthrough Act award to Mika.

The singer said: "This is brilliant. Thank you very much."