ADELE made a triumphant return to the Brits – winning three prizes and dedicating the biggest award of the night to her son in a tearful speech.

The pop superstar, who used to live in Hove, took home song of the year, album of the year and artist of the year during the first ceremony to feature gender-neutral categories.

Her success brings her total Brits haul to 12, and increases her lead as the most decorated solo female artist at the awards.

The Argus: Adele has made a triumphant return to the Brit AwardsAdele has made a triumphant return to the Brit Awards

She is also now the only solo artist to have won album of the year three times – with only the bands Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys equalling her total.

Adele, who sold her mansion in Partridge Green in Horsham for £6 million, won the first award of the night – song of the year for her hit single Easy On Me.

During her acceptance speech, she described attending the event as like “coming home”.

The Argus: The ceremony this year features an all-British line-up of live performers.The ceremony this year features an all-British line-up of live performers.

Later, she returned to the stage to collect the inaugural award for artist of the year after it went gender-neutral for 2022.

In her acceptance speech, she said: “Never lose sight of why you are who you are. The reason people are into you is because of something you have in you. Don’t let go of that ever.

“And also, I understand why the name of this award has changed but I really love being a woman and being a female artist. I do. I am really proud of us.”

Returning to the stage to collect the final award of the night – album of the year for 30 – she paid tearful tribute to her nine-year-old son and ex-partner Simon Konecki, who she split from in 2019, and has said inspired the record.

Visibly emotional, she said: “I would like to dedicate this award to my son and to Simon, his dad.

“My son has been so gracious. So gracious and kind and patient with me over the last couple of years. It is for him.”

Adele also delivered a rendition of I Drink Wine from her chart-topping fourth studio album, 30, dressed in a gold ballgown and matching stilettos, against the backdrop of a glittering gold wall.

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