Brit Awards 2021: Women take top accolades

Dua Lipa won Best British Artist and Album of the Year at the British music awards ceremony held Tuesday at London's O2 Arena. Performing live at the Brit Awards, the Londoner appeared in a miniskirt with a Union Jack pattern in keeping with the occasion. In her acceptance speech, she pleaded for better pay for nursing staff.

The Canadian rapper (shown here during his performance at the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime) was presented with the Best International Solo Artist award by former US first lady Michelle Obama. Afterward, he performed live his track "Save Your Tears." With 4,000 spectators, the Brit Awards show was the first major indoor event in England in more than a year.

US singer Billie Eilish demonstrates her musical versatility again and again. Eilish has mastered a broad musical palette: from hard, gloomy beats to party songs and sad, beautiful ballads. She can also effortlessly transform herself on the outside. Here she's seen on the June cover of British "Vogue" in a 1950s-style ensemble. She gave her acceptance speech at the Brit Awards via video link.

The three sisters of the US pop band Haim were honored as the Best International Group. Este, Alana and Danielle Haim (from left) were visibly overjoyed to receive their first international award as best band. On Twitter, the three wrote how much they love the K-pop band BTS, which had competed with them for the prize.

Arlo Parks has only just released her debut album "Collapsed in Sunbeams," and already she's taking home a prize from the Brit Awards — as Breakthrough Artist of the Year. She was also nominated for Best Album and Best National Artist. "It's a dream come true, I didn't expect it at all," she said in her acceptance speech.

J Hus, pictured here at the 2018 Brit Awards, is no newcomer to the show. But in 2021, the Londoner who started rapping while still at primary school took home his first Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist. He was also nominated for Best British Album of the Year with "Big Conspiracy."

US pop singer Taylor Swift is the first female artist to receive the "Global Icon" award. She thus follows in the footsteps of singers such as David Bowie, Elton John and Robbie Williams. In her acceptance speech, she said: "I'm so indebted to and grateful for my British fans. I love you guys for everything you've done for me."

Little Mix was the first female group to win the Best British Band award. They were a quartet until December 2020, when Jesy Nelson left the band at that time because she was concerned about her mental health. "It's not easy as a woman in the English pop industry," Little Mix said in their acceptance speech. "We've experienced white male dominance, misogyny, sexism and little diversity."