The 33-year-old was nominated alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran in the first year that the awards category had been made gender neutraland admitted she "wasn't expecting [it] at all", having already won Song of the Year for 'Easy On Me' and going on to win Album of the Year for '30.'

She said: "I really wasn't expecting this one at all. I want to say a massive congratulations to [Best Newcomer] Little Simz. Dave, Ed [Sheeran] Sam[Fender] I'm so proud to be in your company. I love being an artist. I can't believe its my job. England, the UK, we have so many incredible young artists coming up.

The 'Easy On Me' hitmaker - who hadperformed her winning song as a comeback performance earlier in the night - then went on to acknowledge the BRIT Award's decision to neutralise the gender categories, claiming that while she "understands" why the change was made, she still "loves" being a woman.

She continued: "I understand why this has changed, but I really love being a woman and a female artist. I'm really proud of us."

Other big winners of the night include 'Bad Habits' hitmaker Ed Sheeran who - after the opening the show with a performance of the pop hit - took home the gong for Songwriter of the Year and Dua Lipa who was named Best Pop/R&B Act, after previously taking home two accolades in last year's ceremony.

The 'Levitating' hitmaker is performing in Los Angeles so couldn't accept the award in person, but sent in a video message thanking her fans.

She said: "Thank you so much. I can't believe I won Best Pop at the BRITs. It's an amazing feeling and I'm sorry I can't be there but I'm about to open in Los Angeles. Love to you all."

she sent a video message thanking her fans in the UK, noting that she "can't wait" to take to the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury later this year.

American superstar Billie Eilish was awarded International Artist of the Year and also sent in a video message where she claimedshe "can't wait" to taketo the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury laterthis year

She said: "Thank you so much. I feel so lucky to be awarded this again, I don't feel deserving. I love you guys. I love my fans in the UK so much and I can't wait to come see you at Glastonbury!"

Other big wins of the night included Olivia Rodrigo, who took home the Best International Song award for her hit 'Good 4 U' and Holly Humberstone who received the BRIT Rising Star award.