Adele has said being at the Brit Awards made her feel like she was "coming home" as she took to the stage to collect the song of the year award for her hit single Easy on Me.

       She said: "First of all I didn't know that many songs were nominated for song of the year. I can't believe that a piano ballad won up against that many bangers.

       "But thank you so much. It is always a pleasure to be here. I always love coming home and the Brits is such a big part of my career since way back when I was a little foetus."

       Adele was pictured arriving at the O2 ahead of her first performance since postponing her Las Vegas residency last month, only 24 hours before the first show was set to begin at Caesars Palace.

       The Tottenham-born singer flew back from Los Angeles, where she now lives, to perform and was the star of the red carpet as she appeared in a long, black velvet gown with a sheer spotted collar and matching train.

       The 33-year-old, who leads the pack with four nominations, posed for photos as she arrived on the red carpet to screams from adoring fans and gave a quick wave before heading inside.

       The star, who is nominated in the best artist, best pop artist, best album, and song of the year categories, has not performed in the UK since 2017.

       Many fans had spent thousands travelling to Las Vegas. In an attempt at damage limitation, Adele called some of them personally to apologise.

       She blamed “delivery delays and Covid” for the postponement, although industry experts said that did not explain why she was unable to give more than a days’ notice. Rescheduled dates have yet to be announced.

       In a tearful video message, the singer said she was “upset and embarrassed” to cancel the gigs but insisted that the show was not ready to unveil to fans.

       It was reported that Adele was unhappy with aspects of the set design, including an onstage pool which she is said to have described as looking like a “baggy old pond”.

       She has spoken in the past about suffering from debilitating stage fright. “I have anxiety attacks, constant panicking on stage, my heart feels like it’s going to explode because I never feel like I’m going to deliver, ever,” she said.

       “I get fidgety, I moan, I complain, I try to escape, I try to get out.”

       The star’s career is closely linked to the Brit Awards. After she performed her new single Someone Like You at the 2011 ceremony, it shot to number one.

       This year’s ceremony is held at London’s O2 Arena and is hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan. This year, audience members are allowed to attend only if they provide proof of a negative lateral flow or vaccination status.

       The show features an all-British line-up of live performances from Dave, Sheeran, Humberstone, Liam Gallagher and Little Simz.

       The Brits academy faced pressure to do away with its male and female-specific awards this year and has scrapped gendered categories, introducing gender-neutral gongs in their place.

       Nominations for the Brit Awards this year feature the most women in more than a decade, with 18 female artists or all-women groups receiving nods.

       The most nominated stars are Adele, Sheeran, Little Simz and Dave, who are each up for four gongs.

       Viral TikTok star Nathan Evans, who is nominated for song of the year for the sea shanty Wellerman with 220 Kid and Billen Ted, described being tapped by the voting academy as "absolutely ridiculous".

       The former postman, from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, delivered a rendition of the number one track during the 2021 event.

       He said: "To be nominated is just incredible. Last year I was here and I was performing. This year I am privileged to be here as a guest. To be here nominated is a dream come true."

       Maya Jama showcased what appeared to be an engagement ring as she walked the red carpet.

       The TV presenter, 27, reportedly became engaged to American basketball player Ben Simmons, 25, over the festive period.

       Simmons, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, is signed with sports agency Klutch Sports, which is primarily owned by Rich Paul, the boyfriend of Adele.

       Jama posed for the cameras outside London's O2 Arena with the large ring clearly on show, wearing a revealing black outfit that featured a black crop top. Neither has so far confirmed the reports.

       The piece was reminiscent of the so-called Mohawk dress by Bob Mackie that Cher wore to the 1986 Oscars.

       Jama parted ways with ex-boyfriend Stormzy in summer 2019, after more than four years together.

       She and BBC radio DJ Clara Amfo were tasked with welcoming award nominees to the arena during the official red carpet show.

       The Brit Awards 2022 will air live on ITV from the O2 Arena in London from 8pm.