Scissor Sisters the big winners at Brit Awards (15099)

At Wednesday's Brit Awards, the annual ceremony for the United Kingdom's recording industry, New York City's Scissor Sisters led the way with three prizes, while Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand and the English acts Keane and Joss Stone took two each. The Scissor Sisters' self-titled debut album, which was the top seller in the U.K. last year, won in the international segments for the categories Best Breakthrough Act, Best Group, and Best Album. Franz Ferdinand picked up awards as the British representatives for Best Group and Best Rock Act. Keane won as Best British Breakthrough Act, and their Hopes and Fears release beat out Franz Ferdinand for Best British Album. Stone beat heavily favored Jamelia as Best British Female Solo Artist and Best British Urban Act, while bringing down the house with a gospel-flavored version of "Right to Be Wrong."

Awards in other categories were spread evenly, with Eminem named Best International Male Solo Artist and Gwen Stefani taking the equivalent for a female artist. Eminem sent a tape of thanks, but Stefani was on hand to accept her prize and perform her track "What You Waiting For?" Mike Skinner, whose musical nom de plume is the Streets, was named Best British Male Solo Artist; Muse won for British Live Act and McFly for British Pop Act. Openly gay singer Will Young's "Your Game" was named top British single, and Robbie Williams's "Angels" won a popularity contest for the favorite song of the past 25 years. Bob Geldof picked up a lifetime achievement award. Other artists performing included Franz Ferdinand, Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, the Streets, and Snoop Dogg & Pharrell Williams.