Brits Bosses Sorry Over Adele Speech Row

The organisers of the Brits have apologised to record-breaking star Adele after she was unceremoniously forced to cut short her acceptance speech for the top gong at this year's awards.

The singer won two trophies at the event, collecting best British female as well as the big title of the night, best album, for 21.

But a rambling acceptance speech by earlier winner Damon Albarn meant she was barely able to deliver one herself and she gestured with her middle finger in frustration on-stage.

Adele, 23, said the insult was aimed at "the suits", after show host James Corden interrupted her to wind up her words to allow closing act Blur to perform.

Following the ceremony at London's O2 area, the show's organisers released a statement saying: "We regret this happened and we send our deepest apologies to Adele that her big moment was cut short due to the live show over running.

"We don't want this to undermine her incredible achievement in winning our night's biggest award, that tops off what's been an incredible year for her."

Adele's success followed her huge win at the Grammys a little over a week ago when she took home six awards.

As she collected the best album prize for 21 - which has sold almost four million copies in the UK - she said: "Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys, then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year.

"I am so so proud to be British and to be flying the flag and to be in the same room as all of you."

But seconds later Corden had to apologise as he forced her triumphant speech to end after which Adele made her rude gesture.

Backstage, she explained to reporters it was aimed at the Brits organisers not her fans, who she had wanted to thank but did not get the chance.

She said: "I got cut off during my speech for best album and I flung the middle finger but that finger was to the suits of the Brit awards not to my fans, I was about to thank the British public for all their support but they cut me off."

Earlier, the star gave her first performance on home soil since undergoing throat surgery, singing her hit Rolling In The Deep.

The singer was denied a hat-trick of awards by X Factor runners up One Direction - causing the biggest upset of the night.

The group, signed by Simon Cowell's label, won best single for What Makes You Beautiful - the only award voted for by the public.

Singer songwriter Ed Sheeran - who led the nominations with four - took two for best male and breakthrough act.

He thanked his manager for transforming a "spotty, chubby, ginger teenager" into a Brit-winner.

Apart from a few moments of light relief when a number of guests walked in front of the camera while James Corden was hosting, it was a rather sedate ceremony.

Florence and the Machine, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Rihanna were among those who performed.

But it was down to Britpop legends Blur to really invigorate the show.

They performed some of their best hits including Song 2, Parklife with guest vocalist Phil Daniels and This Is A Low.

But as ITV struggled with timing issues, much of their 11-minute performance was not broadcast to the public.

The group, who will be performing at the Olympics closing ceremony, won outstanding contribution to music.

It comes 17 years after they won four awards at the 1995 Brits.

Among a very long thank you list, Albarn dedicated the award to manager Chris Morrison who "took four completely broke men and helped us in every way".

Full List Of Winners:

:: British male solo artist: Ed Sheeran

:: British female solo artist: Adele

:: British breakthrough act: Ed Sheeran

:: British group: Coldplay

:: British single: One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

:: MasterCard British album of the year: Adele - 21

:: International male solo artist: Bruno Mars

:: International female solo artist: Rihanna

:: International group: Foo Fighters

:: International breakthrough act: Lana Del Rey

:: Outstanding contribution to music award: Blur

:: Critics' choice: Emeli Sande

:: British producer: Ethan Johns