MUMBAI: Rock star David Bowie, who died in January last year, was awarded Best British male and Best British Album for "Blackstar" at the Brit Awards 2017 here.

Collecting the Best Album prize, Bowie's son Duncan Jones spoke about the star's enduring legacy at the ceremony on Wednesday.

"He's always been there supporting people who think they're a little bit weird or a little bit strange. He's ways been there for them. This award is for all the kooks and all the people who make the kooks," he said, referencing the song his father wrote for him as a child, from the "Hunky Dory" album, reports bbc.com.

As well as honouring Bowie, the Brits paid tribute to George Michael, who died on Christmas day in 2016.

His former Wham! bandmates Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie, made an emotional speech, saying: "His beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all."

Coldplay's Chris Martin then sang an understated but moving version of Michael's "A different corner", as a duet with a recording of the star's own voice.

English artiste Skepta stole the show with a blazing performance of "Shut down". British grime star Stormzy also joined Ed Sheeran on stage for a new version of his single "Shape of you", while Emeli Sande won Best British Female, reports bbc.com.

Rag 'N' Bone Man was the other big winner of the night taking home two awards -- the Critics Choice Award and Best British Breakthrough Act.

Little Mix entered in style as they were carried above their dancers' heads on sparkling thrones. The girl band later won their first ever Brit, Best British Single for their pop song "Shout out to my ex".

Singer Katy Perry also put on a stunning performance of her new single "Chained to the rhythm", accompanied by two giant skeleton mannequins. One was wearing the red tie favoured by US President Donald Trump -- echoing the song's lyrics which address the political upheaval in the US.

Other performances came from Emeli Sande and US dance act The Chainsmokers, who premiered a new single featuring Coldplay, "Something just like this", where Chris Martin threw himself into the crowd.

Adele was recognised with the Global Achievement Award - given to the British artiste with the biggest overseas success. The singer, on a break from her world tour, accepted the prize by video.

Beyoncé Knowles won Best International Female Solo Artist and Drake bagged an award for Best International Male Artist.

The awards will air on Vh1 in India on 5 March.

(Source: IANS)