Adele has become the most successful artist at the Brits in a single year since Blur in 1995, after winning four awards at this year's ceremony.
The singer saw off the likes of Jess Glynne and Florence Welch in the best British female solo artist category after huge success with her third album, 25.
Adele used the opportunity to declare support for American singer Kesha, who is currently involved in a legal battle with Sony Music and a producer she has accused of sexual assault.
The 27-year-old also won the best British single prize for Hello, which broke records when it was released last year.
And she was overcome with emotion when she was presented with the global success prize via a video link from British astronaut Tim Peake.
"Not bad for a girl from Tottenham that don't like flying, getting global success. And Tim Peake, I love you, I hope you're okay and not too hungry. Bye".
The singer then won perhaps the biggest prize of the night - best British album - beating Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, James Bay and Jamie XX.
She topped off the night with a flawless performance of When We Were Young.
Coldplay were named best British group for a fourth time and dedicated their trophy to musicians in refugee camps around the world.
One Direction won best British video - which was voted for by the public - for Drag Me Down.
Annie Lennox paid tribute to the late David Bowie before his friend Gary Oldman accepted his icon award.
Lennox said: "David Bowie is deeply embedded in the heart of British culture ... The legend of his extraordinary sound shall be revered for as long as the Earth shall spin".
Oldman gave a heart-warming speech before introducing singer Lorde who performed a selection of Bowie hits.
James Bay, who performed with Justin Bieber, was presented with best British male artist by Kylie Minogue, which he said was "insane".
Bieber was named best international male artist and told the audience "this just shows life is a journey".
Bjork was named international female artist and accepted the prize via video while wearing a typically unusual outfit.
Australian rock band Tame Impala won international group, while Catfish and the Bottlemen were voted British breakthrough.
