People: Chart-topping Adele gets emotional with big Brit Awards win
A tearful Adele was crowned queen of the British music scene – and banished memories of Grammy Awards sound glitches – with four prizes and a soulful performance at the Brit Awards on Wednesday.
“Not bad for a girl from Tottenham that don’t like flying,” said the North London-born singer as she accepted the Global Success Award.
The world-conquering diva also took trophies for British female solo artist of the year; British single of the year, for lovelorn ballad “Hello”; and album of the year for 15 million copy-selling “25.”
Adele has seen “25” – her first album in almost five years – top charts around the world, though her performance at last week’s Grammy Awards was unsettled when a microphone fell into a piano during the tender song “All I Ask.”
There were no such glitches Wednesday during her performance of “When We Were Young,” though the singer choked up as she accepted the Global Success award – presented by astronaut Tim Peake from the International Space Station.
“I got really lost for a while – I didn’t know if I’d ever come back,” she added. “And for you all to be so kind to me … ”
Later she apologized for losing her composure and “the ugly crying face.”
Adele also sent a message of public support to “Tik Tok” singer Kesha, who is fighting to get out of a contract with record producer Dr. Luke, who she says sexually assaulted her.
The Brits ceremony, performed to music-industry figures and thousands of fans at London’s O2 Arena, also featured performances from Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Rihanna – joined onstage by Drake for a sultry “Work.”
Singer-songwriter James Bay was named best British male solo artist, while Bieber was named best international male artist.
Obamas host Ray Charles tribute
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, hosted a musical tribute Wednesday night to the late Ray Charles.
Usher, Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams and The Band Perry were among a group of contemporary artists chosen to perform Charles’ music during a taping of the tribute, “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House.” The program was scheduled to be live streamed on the White House website and broadcast by PBS stations nationwide on Friday.
The “In Performance” series dates to 1978 and has spanned every presidential administration beginning with Jimmy Carter’s.
Michelle Obama said Charles, a 17-time Grammy Award winner, is a “longtime favorite” in the Obama household.
Charles, who lost his sight as a child, died in June 2004.
The birthday bunch
Humorist Jack Handey is 67. Actress Tea Leoni is 50. Comedian Carrot Top is 49. Actor Sean Astin is 45. Latin singer Julio Iglesias Jr. is 43. Comedian-actress Chelsea Handler is 41. Actress Rashida Jones is 40. Actors Oliver and James Phelps (“Harry Potter” movies) are 30.