Adele has won the first award of the night at the Brit Awards, describing attending the event as like “coming home”.

       The pop superstar won song of the year for her hit single Easy On Me after walking the red carpet wearing a sweeping black velvet gown with a tulle overlay.

       She wore a large ring on her fourth finger – prompting speculation on social media that she is engaged to her sports agent boyfriend Rich Paul.

       Taking to the stage, 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.

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       “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.”

       Ed Sheeran kicked off the event with a surprise performance alongside metal rockers Bring Me The Horizon.

       The chart-topping singer, who released his fifth studio album titled Equals in October, took to the stage to perform his hit Bad Habits backed by the Sheffield-formed outfit and dancers wearing punk-inspired outfits.

       Host Mo Gilligan started with a sketch in which he attempted to plan a dramatic entrance, but is thwarted by the show’s policies on carbon emissions.

       The second award of the night, international song of the year, went to Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo.

       The 18-year-old American singer said: “Last year at the Brits was my first performance ever so to get this award tonight is so surreal. Thank you so much.”

       Dua Lipa claimed the gong for pop and R&B artist.

       Anne-Marie took a tumble as she descended a flight of steps during a performance with rapper KSI and Digital Farm Animals.

       The pop singer made an entrance from inside a giant heart on stage, but she appeared to fall as she made her way down.

       The awards ceremony this year features an all-British line-up of live performers including rapper Dave, rising star award winner Holly Humberstone, Liam Gallagher and Little Simz.

       US rapper and singer Doja Cat was forced to pull out after members of her crew tested positive for Covid-19.

       Last week Adele, who is nominated four times, confirmed she will perform during the event.

       It comes after she postponed her Las Vegas Caesars Palace residency at short notice, with Grammy-winning country music star Keith Urban stepping in to replace her.

       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

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       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 2022 Brit Awards continue on ITV.