Ed Sheeran Wins Big at Top British Music Awards

In a star-studded show at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday night, Sheeran won in the highly coveted best album category for ‘X’ beating out Sam Smith’s ‘In the Lonely Hour’ and other artists Damon Albarn and George Ezra who were considered favorites in the category.

Madonna’s fall from stage while performing her new single ‘Living for Love’ and ITV’s decision to mute part of rapper Kanye West’s song due to the lyrics were some of the main talking points of the show.

Smith and Sheeran, two of the year’s top-selling artists in the United Kingdom, also performed live during the event.

While Smith gave a rendition of the moving Lay Me Down’, his first single, Sheeran opted for the edgier ‘Bloodstream’ accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

There were also performances by veteran pop band Take That, composer-singer George Ezra and pop artist Taylor Swift.

“That’s a good way to start the night,” said Sheeran on accepting the first award of the evening from actors Rita Ora and Orlando Bloom.

At the end of the evening, the Halifax-born singer was once again the center of attention when he won the evening’s most important award for best album.

Smith, one of the top-selling artists of the year both in the U.S. and U.K. and four time winner at the recent Grammy awards, had to be content with the two lesser awards for breakthrough act and global success.

Royal Blood accepted the best British group award from Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page trumping pop boy band One Direction that won best video for You & I’.

“It’s a huge surprise to us. And probably more of a surprise for people here, as you might not know who we are,” said Mike Kerr, the band’s guitarist.

Paloma Faith won best female artist after being nominated for it on two previous occasions.

“Wow. I’m so moved. It’s been a long time coming. I’m a big fan of Tracey Emin, I’m a big fan of women all over the world. It’s taken me 14 years to stand up here and accept this award and it means so much to me,” gushed the singer.

In one of the highlights of the ceremony, reality star Kim Kardashian posed for a selfie with the presenters on stage before making way for husband Kanye West’s performance.

British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton and singer Ellie Goulding presented Taylor Swift with the award for best international female artist.

“I’ve been coming to England and playing shows for eight years so I’m so happy,” said the singer, who also thanked Ed Sheeran saying, “I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for one of my best friends who took me to pubs and showed me how to make a nice cup of tea.”

In the last act of the evening, Madonna, donning a large black cape, fell backwards from the top of the stage’s stairs, but that didn’t stop the diva from continuing with her performance.