Battle of the pop princesses! Ellie Goulding dazzles in a daring thigh-split peekaboo gown as she joins Katy Perry and Rita Ora at the star-studded 2017 BRIT Awards
- The biggest names in showbiz descended upon London's O2 Arena on Wednesday night for the music awards
- Chart-topping beauties Ellie, Katy and Rita led the glamorous brigade of stars on the red carpet ahead of the main event
- Big winners on the night are expected to include Little Mix, who are nominated for Best British Group, Best British Single and Best British Artist Video Of The Year
- International nominees include Beyonce, The Weeknd, Drake and Rihanna
- Craig David is facing off against acts including the late David Bowie in the British Male Solo Artist category
- Vying for British Female Solo Artist are the likes of Goulding, Emeli Sande and Lianne La Havas
- British Single contenders include Zayn Malik, James Arthur, Clean Bandit and Coldplay
- Robbie Williams will be receiving the BRIT Icon Award in recognition of his lengthy career in music
They're three off the biggest names in pop right now.
And Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry and Rita Ora naturally turned heads as they raced the red carpet at the BRIT Awards 2017 on Wednesday night, making a serious impact as they arrived at London's O2 Arena.
Ellie, 30, flashed just the right amount of skin in a striking silk dress with a thigh-high split, while Rita opted for full-on opulence in a dramatic green gown with a voluminous train.
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Making an impression: Ellie Goulding pulled off a winning look when she graced the red carpet at the BRIT Awards 2017 on Wednesday night, turning heads in a striking silk dress with a thigh-high split, while Katy Perry (centre) stunned in a quirky silk playsuit and blazer, and Rita Ora (right) opted for full-on opulence in a striking green gown
Ellie, who is nominated in the British Female Solo Artist category, was dressed to impress in the figure-hugging attire, featuring a daring cut-out at the bust and silver chain detailing.
The edgy black dress boasted a daring thigh-high split running up the centre of the dress, offering a glimpse of her long legs as she sashayed along the red carpet.
The Burn singer gave her glamorous awards ceremony attire a twist thanks to statement silver accessories to match the chain detailing on the dress, including Malone Souliers heels.
Metal chains snaked down the back of the halterneck number and around her neck, displaying a glimpse of her tattoos.
Silk sensation: Ellie's bodyform number clung to her athletic figure in all the right places
Rock 'n' roll edge: The statement dress was finished with silver chain detailing at the bust and hanging down her back from the halterneck neckline
Strong look: The Burn singer gave her glamorous awards ceremony attire a twist thanks to statement silver accessories to match the chain detailing on the dress
Sister act: Ellie was accompanied by her sister at the BRITS, walking the red carpet arm-in-arm
Legs for days: The edgy black dress boasted a daring thigh-high split running up the centre of the dress, offering a glimpse of her long legs
Natural beauty: The Anything Could Happen singer opted for barely-there make-up including soft pink lipstick
Rita Ora gave Ellie a run for her money in a dazzling, sequin embellished dress which ensured she was the belle of the ball.
The Hot Right Now singer appeared to be channeling a fairytale princess in the glittering green number complete with a green tulle train in a fishtail style.
Sticking to her green colour palette, Rita completed her attire with a sequin embellished camouflage jacket and a earth tone make-up.
She wore her blonde locks slicked back from her face in a wet-look, tousled style.
Green goddess: Rita Ora gave Ellie a run for her money in a dazzling, sequin embellished dress which ensured she was the belle of the ball
Salute! Sticking to her green colour palette, Rita completed her attire with a sequin embellished camouflage jacket and a earth tone make-up
Here she comes: Rita ensured all eyes were on her as she paraded down the red carpet in style
Military chic: Rita effortlessly mixed high end glamour with high street trends, as she walked the red carpet with her stylish friend Kyle De'Volle
All eyes on her: The Fifty Shades Of Grey star posed like a professional on the red carpet
Wet look: Rita slicked her blonde locks back from her face with gel, wearing her hair in loose waves
Katy Perry ensured she stole the spotlight in a cool and sophisticated silk suit that showed off her legs.
The American beauty, who has just made a welcome return to the charts with her new single Chained To The Rhythm, was dressed to impress in a dusty pink, silver thread embellished outfit.
Katy looked every inch the pop princess in her thigh-skimming garment and matching, silk-lined blazer.
The stat completed her red carpet attire with a futuristic, knotted hairdo and a heavy make-up look.
Wow: Katy Perry ensured she stole the spotlight in a cool and sophisticated silk suit that showed off her legs
Stunning: The American beauty, who has just made a welcome return to the charts with her new single Chained To The Rhythm, was dressed to impress in a dusty pink, silver thread embellished outfit
Glamorous: Katy looked every inch the pop princess in her thigh-skimming garment and matching, silk-lined blazer
Fan favourite: Katy was happy to pose for pictures with fans, taking the time to chat to them as she walked the red carpet
Say cheese: The down-to-earth beauty took endless selfies with her eager admirers as she made her way along
Little Mix put on another show-stopping display on the red carpet as the girls celebrated the second year at the BRITS.
The four-piece, who are nominated in the Best British Group category, as well as Best British Single and British Artist Video of the Year, are also set to perform at the awards show.
Jade Thirlwall looked impossibly glamorous in a plunging silk dress with a very daring side split, requiring assistance from an aide to avoid a wardrobe malfunction on the red carpet.
Perrie Edwards opted for an black, feather embellished dress with a full train, turning heads in her Black Swan inspired attire.
Leading ladies: Best British Group nominees Little Mix pulled out all the stops for their second year at the BRITS
Thigh's the limit: Jade Thirlwall (left and right) dared to bare in an extremely high thigh=split silk dress, while Perrie (centre) opted for a feather embellished frock
Pop princess: The Shout Out To My ex hitmaker looked incredible in her quirky PVC puffball number
Ultra glamorous: The girls looked incredible in their quirky leather meets denim attire
Buxom beauty: Jesy showed off her curves in a figure-hugging dress with quirky pocket detailingon the cups
Jesy Nelson wowed in a leather number with denim pocket detailing on the bust, coordinating with bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock in her patchwork denim dress with a 90s vibe.
It wasn't just music talent gracing the red carpet, with the likes of TV couple Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright arriving in style.
The Our Girl actress made an impact in an electric blue jumpsuit that made the most of her slender figure as she cosied up to her husband and former TOWIE star Mark.
Former Geordie Shore beauties Charlotte Crobsy and Holly Hagan were also in attendance, with the former daring to bare by going braless in a semi-sheer leopard print dress.
Strong contenders: The girls are set to be one of the most exciting performances of the night following on from their stellar Black Magic set last year
Thigh-skimming: Perrie and Jade showed off a liberal amount of leg in their daring dresses
Centre of attention: All eyes were on the four-piece as they made their grand arrival at the arena
Black Magic: Jesy and Perrie coordinated in all-black ensembles which flashed a hint of leg
Beaming: Leigh-Anne couldn't contain her excitement at the prospect of kicking off the star-studded awards
Getting a grilling: The girls were their usual bubbly selves on the red carpet as they answered questions
Abbey Clancy showed off her model credentials in a skimpy black and white dress, posing like a professional on the red carpet.
Tallia Storm also put in an appearance at the glitzy event, keeping covered up in a twee green dress, worn over a purple ruffled top.
The 37th BRIT Awards ceremony features a star-studded line-up with Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams, Little Mix, Bruno Mars, The 1975, Emeli Sandé and Skepta all taking the stage.
Emma Willis and Dermot O'Leary present the show after being drafted in when Michael Buble was forced to pull out due to his son's battle with cancer.
Looking good: Michelle Keegan put in an appearance alongside her husband Mark Wright, sporting a bright jumpsuit
Beautiful in blue: The former Coronation Street favourite displayed her slimline figure in the bold ensemble
What a beauty: Michelle kept her hair and make-up look simple for the occasion, styling her locks in voluminous waves
Gorgeous: The striking TV favourite highlighted her pretty features with a clear gloss and fluttering false lashes
Beaming: Mark and Michelle looked totally in sync as they cuddled up on the red carpet
Daring to be different: Charli XCX donned a quirky, ruffle embellished dress with beaded sandals
Pretty in pastels: The Fancy hitmaker pulled her look together with pale purple eye shadow
Hot metal: Holly Willoughby opted for a simple yet stunning sequin embellished dress and coordinating heels
Flower power: Myleene Klass set off her floor-skimming white jumpsuit with a garland of red roses
'The BRITs is an iconic show that I've watched and attended many times,' said Dermot about his hosting duties. 'It's a holy grail for a broadcaster, and I'm really looking forward to working with Emma, who I'm a big fan of, and celebrating a brilliant year of British music.'
'To present the BRITs is an honour but to be doing it alongside one of my absolute favourites, Mr Dermot O'Leary is just bonkers. Bring on the BRITs 2017,' added Emma.
Little Mix and Grime artist Skepta lead the nominations pack with three apiece - with many critics wondering if the North London-born MC can replicate his prestigious Mercury Music Prize win and scoop the British Album of The Year prize for Konnichiwa.
Leggy lady: Abbey Clancy was hard to miss on the red carpet in her striking black and white dress
Looking good: The Britain's Next Top Model host displayed a liberal amount of skin in the racy attire
Stunning: The Liverpool lass highlighted her cheekbones with plenty of bronzer and wore her blonde tresses in loose waves
Show-stopper: Abbey was hard to miss, showing off some serious skin in her one-shoulder dress
Rainbow hued: Alesha Dixon was the picture of elegance in a cool and quirky dress with cute bow detailing at the back
Cute couple: The Britain's Got Talent stunner was accompanied by her dapper partner, Azuka Ononye
Man of the hour: Ed Sheeran, who has just made his musical comeback, was suited and booted for the occasion
Fancy seeing you here! Ed gave a warm welcome to former X Factor winner James Arthur, who is enjoying huge commercial success with his new album
But he has stiff competition from the late David Bowie whose last album Blackstar is up for the gong, as well as fan favourite The 1975 whose memorably titled album I Like It When You Sleep For You Are Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, topped both the U.S. and UK charts.
Skepta will also go up against firm favourite Bowie in the Best British Male category, while fellow nominee Craig David is convinced he won't win the award.
'David Bowie's career has been so epic,' he told BBC News. 'He influenced me and so many other artists. There's no competition.'
Silver stunner: The Saturdays singer Mollie King looked incredible in a thigh-skimming silver minidress
Cute cover-up: The Higher hitmaker accessorised with a two-tone mohair stole, working her angles on the red carpet
Gorgeous: The blonde bombshell ensured she was picture perfect from head-to-toe, topping off her look with metallic heels
Touseled waves: Mollie styled her long bob in glamorous, bed head waves and a loose side parting
Wild child: Reality star Charlotte Crosby dared to bare by going braless in a semi-sheer leopard print dress
Date night: Charlotte was joined by BFF and former Geordie Shore co-star Holly Hagan for the evening
Going all out: Holly chose a more demure look than her gal pal, daring to be different in a floor-length gown
Daring to be different: Emeli Sande, Doutzen Kroes and Billie JD Porter (from left to right) chose eclectic gowns
Close encounters: Katy received a friendly greeting from Bastille frontman Dan Smith
Little Mix - and bandmember Perrie Edwards - have a battle of their own, with Perrie's ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik both nominated for Best British single - Zayn for R&B style Pillowtalk and Little Mix for their hit Shout Out To My Ex, which fans believe is partly written about the former One Direction star.
Interestingly, Beyonce goes against sister Solange for the Best International Female gong, although they both face stiff competition from rising star Christine And The Queens, Rihanna and Sia.
Solange, who considers Beyonce a role model, released her album A Seat At The Table just three days before her thirtieth birthday last year, to critical acclaim.
Aren't you warm? Brooklyn Beckham made an impact in a black and white checked coat and skinny jeans
Turning heads in tweed: Nicole Scherzinger was clad in a quirky tweed suit and matching thigh-high boots
Hair-raising look: The Pussycat Dolls beauty styled her long locks in a crimped hairdo with plenty of volume at the crown
Lovely in lace: TV personality Stacey Solomon plumped for a more casual vibe in a lace top and black shorts
Date night: She was accompanied by her boyfriend Joe Swash as they walked the red carpet together
Happy couple: Fearne Cotton and her husband Jesse Wood were in top form as they arrived at the bash
Loving life: Emma Willis couldn't hide her excitement as she prepared for a night of good music
Main main: X Factor favourite Dermot O'Leary posed with both Emma (left) and his wife Dee Koppang (right)
Keeping it simple: Caroline Flack embraced a rock chic vibe in a feather embellished frock and biker boots
Loved-up: Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley cosied up on the red carpet, rocking casual looks
The Face reunion: Naomi Campebell reunited with her former model co-host Caroline Winberg on the red carpet
Fashionably late: The supermodel sported a daring silver bodysuit that showed off her shapely legs
It became her first number-one album in the US, making she and Beyonce the first sisters to have US number-one albums in a calendar year.
Meanwhile, Best British Female Solo Artist will be fought out between Anonhni, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sande, Lianne La Havas and Nao.
Adele will be hoping to replicate a tiny slice of her recent Grammy success by scooping the British Artist Video Of The Year award for Send My Love (To Your New Lover).
Statement look: Pixie Lott showed off her slim legs in a quirky fringed dress with a cut-out at the bust
Woven attire: The quirky garment featured a subtle silver thread running throughout, which matched her silver sandals
Glamorous as ever: Pixie's daring dress made the most of her super slim figure
Strike a pose: Mama Do hitmaker Pixie looked stunning as ever in her rock 'n' roll inspired look
Think pink: Louisa Johnson displayed her quirky new hairdo - and a daring ensemble to match
Daring to be different: The X Factor 2015 winner donned a tiny lace bodysuit and oversized flares
Flirty and feminine: Tallia Storm showed off some leg in a green dress worn over a purple ruffled jumper
Pearl perfection: The Scottish pop princess completed her attire with layers of pearl necklaces
However, she faces a tough contest with Calvin Harris Feat. Rihanna, whose video for This Is What You Came For has been a frontrunner with the bookies.
Blues Singer Rag 'N' Bone Man has already secured his first BRIT, scooping the Critics Choice gong - one of two awards already announced.
The award - given to artists tipped for the top - is held in high regard, having previously been presented to Adele, Sam Smith and Florence + The Machine.
Fabulous in feathers: Russian model and humanitarian Natalia Vodianova stunned in an elaborate feathered number
Blonde beauties: Actress Clara Paget (left) and singer Anne Marie (right) were dressed to impress for the BRITs
Dazzling: BRIT Award nominee Anne-Marie, who is set to support Bieber at his British Summer Time Hyde Park gig this summer, looked lovely in a rose silk dress
Off-the-shoulder chic: Model Neelam Gill exuded sophistication in a chic jumpsuit with a silk trim
Laid back look: Sara Cox kept things simple in a patterned frock and patent black leather accessories
Glamorous: Amber Le Bon displayed her model credentials in a simple black dress with a sheer back
Cosying up: Craig David and Ellie joined forces on the red carpet, grinning with delight as they prepared for the main event
'I thought they had made a mistake. I was up against two pop giants. It’s bloody brilliant! I'm crazy happy. Proper massive grin,' he said about his win when it was announced last year.
And Robbie Williams will accept the BRITs Icon Award - which provides him with his 18th BRIT award win, either as a solo artist or member of Take That.
The singer seemed a little bemused at being selected to receive the prestigious prize, which sees him follow in the footsteps of Elton John and David Bowie.
'There’s so much in my career where I look into the abyss and the abyss looks back and goes: "I don’t know, I don’t have a f**king clue,"' he recently told NME.
'How have I got 18 BRITs and Paul McCartney hasn’t? Something weird has happened... Me having 18 BRITs – it’s like there’s a glitch in the Matrix. But, you know I’m not going to give them back and I’m glad it’s happened to me.'
Grand arrival: Best British Group nominees The 1975 arrived in style, rocking vintage suits and ruffled shirts
Suits you! Wiley (left) and Stormzy (right) were dressed to impress as they made their grand arrival
Indie chic: Blossoms rockers put in an appearance on the red carpet ahead of the glitzy ceremony
Comeback king: Craig David is back in the limelight and one of the hot contenders for British Male Solo Artist
Sensational in silk: Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto made an impression in a quirky silk jumpsuit to match her blue hair
Nominated: Clean Bandit are crossing their fingers for a win in the Best British Single and British Artist Video Of Year categories
Little Mix got the 2017 BRIT Awards off to a pitch perfect start as they belted out their hit Shout Out To My Ex.
Perrie, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Jade were carried to the stage atop thrones befitting of their status as pop royalty.
And they proceeded to deliver a typically professional performance, dressed in racy metallic ensembles.
Backed by a plethora of silver painted dancers, the girls performed their moves with plenty of attitude, no doubt getting everyone in the O2 even more excited than they already were.
Kicking things off in style: Little Mix opened the proceedings with a stellar performance of Shout Out To My Ex
Futuristic attire: Perrie looked incredible in a metallic bodysuit and lace-up, over-the-knee boots
Blonde bombshells: The girls all sported lightened locks as they took to the stage for their big performance
Working it: Jesy and Leigh-Anne were on top form as they powered through the moves
First BRIT Award: The girls picked up the Best British Single prize for their hit single Shout Out To My Ex
The girls picked up the Best British Single prize, gushing on stage: 'Thank you so much. We honestly didn't think we were gonna get it, we were just sat there chinwagging.'
'We'd like to thank our label Sony, Syco, Simon (Cowell), our amazing A&R, our management, and us girls, because if it wasn't for our friendship, we wouldn't still be going. And lastly cheers to our exes for helping us to do an amazing song, this one's for you lads.'
The acceptance speech won't have gone down well with Perrie's ex Zayn Malik, who lost out to the girls in the same category.
Whilst Zayn missed out on an award, his former band One Direction won on the night, picking up Video Of The Year for History.
Celebrating: The girls couldn't believe their luck as they picked up their very first gong at the awards ceremony
Tearful: Jade and Leigh-Anne couldn't hold back their tears as they walked across the stage to collect the prize
Jumping for joy: The four-piece's reaction was adorable to watch, leaping up from their seats
The only member of the group present on the evening was Louis Tomlinson, who said: 'This is amazing thank you so much I’m sure I speak on behalf of the rest of the boys I can’t believe we are still winning these.
'We have been taking a bit of time out working on our own material but One Direction is who we are and who we always will be.'
Earlier, David Bowie was also honoured at the ceremony, as he scooped Best British Male following his shock death in January 2016.
The late star - who passed away after a secret battle with cancer - beat off competition from Craig David, Skepta, Kano and Michael Kiwanuka to win the award, which Michael C. Hall accepted on his behalf from presenter Zane Lowe.
Touching tribute: The BRITS paid a special tribute to the late George Michael following his tragic death
Taking to the stage: Chris Martin took the lead on the musical tribute, which brought tears to everyone's eyes
Moving: Wham's Andrew Ridgeley delivered a moving eulogy to his late bandmember, joined by Pepsi and Shirlie
Speaking about the icon, Michael - who starred in 'Bowie's Lazarus musical - quipped that he wouldn't have attended the BRITs even if he was alive.
He said: 'If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn't be here tonight. But I am here tonight on behalf of his family to accept this testament to a man beholden to nothing but his own imagination.'
Michael went on to praise David, saying: 'His vitality soothes us and I'm honoured to stand before you and celebrate his work. David's kindness, generosity and enthusiasm will inspire me to be a better man.'
Bowie's Best British Male win will have come as no surprise to Craig David, who previously admitted that there was 'no competition' between the late star and the other nominees.
'David Bowie's career has been so epic,' he told BBC News. 'He influenced me and so many other artists. There's no competition.'
Read all about it: Emeli Sande picked up the first award of the night, British Female Solo Artist, beating off stiff competition from Anonhni, Ellie Goulding Lianne La Havas and Nao, before taking to the stage to perform
Vocal powerhouse: Emeli nearly brought the house down with her incredible performance of Hurts
Meanwhile, Rag'N'Bone Man, who was awarded the Critics’ Choice Brit Award in December, picked up the British Breakthrough Act and declared himself speechless when his name was called out by presenters Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora.
After winning the gong over his competitors Anne-Marie, Skepta, Blossoms and Stormzy, he said: 'I just want to say thank you to all my fans. You've been amazing and I appreciate your votes so much. I don't know what else to say, I'm speechless but thank you so much, honestly.
Emeli Sande picked up the first award of the night, British Female Solo Artist, beating off stiff competition from Anonhni, Ellie Goulding Lianne La Havas and Nao, before taking to the stage to performe.
Hosting duo: Dermot and Emma were complete naturals, stepping in for Michael Buble
Powerful performance: Following on from Little Mix's show opener was US singer Bruno Mars
Vocal powerhouse: Emeli Sande, who scooped the British Female Solo Artist prize, took to the stage
Humbly accepting the gong, the Read All About It hitmaker said: 'Thank you to the creator of all things. This is my sister Lucy Sande, this award is for you, thank you so much.'
Adele won the Global Success Award and sent a video acceptance speech in which she gushed: 'Hello London, thank you so much it means the world to me. You have all been amazing to me this past year. It’s been amazing this year, the best one yet. Have a good time, get a bit swervy like her (as she gestured at the trophy)'
And after Wham reunited on stage for a tearful tribute to George Michael, they introduced Coldplay's Chris Martin, who sang A Different Corner.
Stellar performance: Katy Perry serenaded the crowd with a performance of her new single, Chained To The Rhythm
Fun-filled set: The pop princess was in her element thanks to her quirky staging, which included a sea of houses
Spooky: Giant skeletons danced around the stage as Katie belted out her chart-topping tune
Take a bow: Katy performed alongside Skip Marley at the star-studded ceremony
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