Pop star Taylor Swift became the first female winner of the Global Icon award at the BRIT Awards. She was also the first non-British recipient of the prize, which the Brits characterize as their highest honour. Only three other artists have been named Brits Icons - Sir Elton John, David Bowie and Robbie Williams.

Hosted for a fourth time by Jack Whitehall, the show to be telecast on the weekend will open with a performance from Coldplay. Other performers on the night included Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodgrigo and Headie One. Swift is not expected to perform at the ceremony, which will take place with an audience as part of the government's pilot scheme for live events.

Swift could walk away with two prizes on the night. She is also nominated for international female solo artist, an award she previously won in 2015. Her competition in that category comes from Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B and Miley Cyrus.

Announcing her Global Icon prize, the Brits said, "Taylor's career is unparalleled and her music and influence has resonated with millions of people all over the world. She's used her platform to highlight many issues globally and recently has been applauded for her work promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ community."

The star recently scored her seventh UK number one, with a re-recorded version of her breakthrough album Fearless. It was her third chart-topping album in the space of just 259 days, after the surprise release of two lockdown albums, Folklore and Evermore. According to the Official Charts Company, she is the highest-selling artist of the year so far in the UK.

One of music's biggest nights in Britain, the coveted Brit Awards were held recently and it was a delight to see who's who of the music industry turn up looking their best for the evening. Held at London's O2 Arena, the awards ceremony hosted an in-person audience and popular comedian Jack Whitehall was the host for the evening.

The ceremony also witnessed heart wrenching performances by Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Elton John with Years & Years, The Weeknd, Griff, AJ Tracy along with Young T and Bugsey, Rag’n’Bone Man along with Pink and The NHS Choir. Olivia Rodrigo’s debut made everyone fall in love with Drivers License once again. Coming to the speeches, Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa’s acceptance speeches completely stole the show.

The winners of the evening are as follows – 

• Taylor Swift who became the first female artist to receive a Global Icon Award
• Heartthrob Harry Styles took home the Single of the Year honor for his track Watermelon Sugar
• The Album of the Year honor and Female Solo Artist was bagged by Dua Lipa
• Billie Eilish took home the award for International Female Artist
• The Weeknd took home the award for International Male Artist
• Arlo Parks bags the Break Through Artist
• Little Mix were announced as the British Group
• The Male Solo Artist was bagged by J Hus
• HAIM was announced as the International Group
• Griff took home the awards for Rising Star

Catch the most exciting BRIT Awards 2021 Sunday, 16^th May, at 9 pm only on Vh1 India. BRIT Awards 2021