Scissor Sisters score Brits hat-trick

New York band Scissor Sisters were the stars of the show at the 25th Brit Awards, collecting three of the most prestigious awards.

The American band, who made a huge impression on the British music scene with hits such as 'Laura' and 'Take Your Mama' in 2004, picked up the international awards for best album, group and breakthrough act.

The newcomers' whose self-titled debut album was 2004's biggest-seller, beat such world-renowned acts as U2, OutKast and Green Day, to pick up the prestigious awards.

Scottish indie band, Franz Ferdinand, also celebrated a hugely successful year, by collecting awards for British rock act and British group. Brit-rock newcomers, Keane, picked up two awards – for British breakthrough act and British album, for their debut 'Hopes and Fears'. Fellow British rockers, Muse, were named best British live act.

Soul vocalist, Joss Stone, picked up awards for British Urban act and British female solo artist, while Mike Skinner, the man behind The Streets, collected the award for British male solo artist.

US rapper, Eminem, triumphed in the international male solo artist category, beating the likes of ex-Beach Boy Brian Wilson and Tom Waits, while ex-No Doubt front man, Gwen Stefani, who released her debut solo album, 'Love Angel Music Baby' this year, swept to victory in the international female solo artist category.

Elsewhere, teen pop favourites, McFly triumphed in the pop act category, while Sir Bob Geldof was honoured for his outstanding contribution to music.

Will Young collected the award for British single, for his hit 'Your Game', but missed the chance to win the night's major accolade, the Brits25 – Best Song Award. The special award, which marked 25 years of the Brits, was given to the song voted the best of the last 25 years by Radio 2 listeners. Young's 'Leave Right Now' was on the shortlist, which also included classic tracks by Joy Division, Kate Bush and Queen. However, it was Brit favourite, Robbie Williams who won the award, for his ballad, 'Angels'. Williams has already won 14 Brit awards – 10 during his solo career and four during his time with boy-band stars, Take That.

The Brit Awards event will be shown on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.

(KMcA/SP)