AMY Winehouse has taken the Best British Female title at the Brit Awards, snatching it from the grasp of crowd favourite Lily Allen.
Winehouse's hellraising reputation has often threatened to overshadow her musical talent.
The 23-year-old singer has a fondness for drink and at one point was spending $600 a week on cannabis.
After releasing her acclaimed debut album, Frank, in 2003, her lifestyle appeared to be taking its toll and she was pictured looking worryingly thin.
A troubled relationship with her then boyfriend led her to hitting the vodka at breakfast time, and she was pictured looking alarmingly thin.
But she bounced back with latest album, Back To Black.
The critics loved it and over 700,000 copies have been sold so far.
And the album's big hit single has been the aptly titled Rehab.
Winehouse went to a rehab clinic at the behest of her management, who were worried she had a drink problem.
But she spent just 15 minutes there before walking out.
James Morrison won the award for the Best British Male act.
The 22-year said: I really, really didn't expect this.
I did try to think of a speech but I didn't want to pre-empt losing. I'd just like to say I can't believe I'm here. This one's for every singer-songwriter still playing in pubs.
Morrison rocketed to the top of the music world despite only getting a U in his music A-Level.
He was also rejected by BBC talent show Fame Academy.
The Best British Live Act went to Muse - the second time they've won that award.
The British Breakthrough Act award was won by Glaswegian indie Rockers the Fratellis.
Orson took the title of International Breakthrough Act.
The International Male award went to Justin Timberlake while the International Female artist award was won by Nelly Furtado.
Las Vegas group The Killers had a double win with best International Album for Sam's Town and best International Group.
The band said: This is something else, to be regarded in this country. Thank you for making this dream possible.
The Arctic Monkeys has been named Best British Band at the Brit Awards.
And topping that award the band also took the Best British Album title.
The Arctic Monkeys were one of the first bands to build up their fanbase on the internet before bursting into the charts.
The Sheffield band - led by frontman Alex Turner, 21 - enjoyed their first big hit in 2005 with the single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.
Take That won British Single, voted for by viewers, for their comeback track Patience.
But the reformed group failed to send out a message to their troubled former bandmate Robbie Williams in their acceptance speech.
Star Gary Barlow said: Thank you everybody. It's amazing. Oh my god.
It's unbelievable.
The Outstanding Contribution To Music award went to Oasis.
In typical rebellious style, Liam Gallagher said of the award: Is that all it is?
I suppose it will have to do.
The brothers performed some of their most famous hits - Cigarettes and Alcohol, Meaning of Soul, Morning Glory, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Rock and Roll Star.
Newcomer Lily Allen, who recently toured Australia as part of the Big Day Out festival, was nominated for three prizes: Best album (Alright, Still), female solo artist and breakthrough act.
The 21-year-old, who started out by uploading her tunes on community website , has won acclaim for her witty ska-influenced songs about teenage sex, drugs and London life.
Allen was up against Leeds-born Bailey Rae, soul singer Amy Winehouse, R B star Jamelia and singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot in the solo artist category, with Winehouse taking the title.
Bailey Rae, whose self-titled album topped the British album charts last year and was a hit around the world, was the bookmakers' favourite.
Joining Allen with three nominations were Devon rock band Muse (also recently in Australia for the Big Day Out) known for their dynamic performances at summer festivals.
They were chasing prizes for the best British band, album (Black Holes and Revelations) (both lost) and live act (won).
Also in the running for a hat-trick were Northern Irish indie rock band Snow Patrol: Best British band, album (Eyes Open) and single (Chasing Cars).
Sheffield rock group Arctic Monkeys were nominated for best group and album (Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not).
Competition for best international male solo artist spanned three generations - Beck, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, Justin Timberlake and Damien Rice.
Beyonce, Pink, Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera and Cat Power all fought to be named best international female solo artist.
Nelly Furtado won the category.
Reformed boy band Take That were favourites to win the public vote for the best British single award for Patience. The rest of the winners were chosen by the music industry and media.
Oasis received an award for their outstanding contribution to music.
The Brits, hosted by Russell Brand, took place at Earl's Court in London.
Before the awards, Lily Allen revealed her favourite way to unwind on tour was to watch pornography.
The 21-year-old singer said when she was holed up in hotel rooms across the world the only entertainment she can enjoy on TV was X-rated movies.
She told Britain's Heat magazine: When I travel around the world there often isn't anything to watch on TV, especially when they don't speak English.
But watching porn is fine as it doesn't need words.
It's sort of universal.
I watch a lot of it and in my opinion the porn in Japan is very sick and twisted.
Lily had threatened to boycott the Brit Awards because she feared leaving empty handed.
However, her father, British comedian Keith Allen, told her she must attend, saying it would be bad form to not turn up.
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