After opening the show with their catchy "I Predict A Riot," Leeds' Kaiser Chiefs walked off with 2006 BRIT Awards for British Group, British Live Act and British Rock Act. Coldplay and James Blunt each took home 2 BRITs in the "local" categories with Chris Martin and Co. winning for British Album (X & Y) and British Song ("Speed Of Sound") and Blunt snagging Pop Act and British Solo Artist.

In the International categories, Green Day was the only act to win multiple BRITs. scoring the honors for International Group and adding International Album to the litany of awards given to American Idiot.

In the British Breakthrough Act category, an award voted upon by Radio 1 listeners, the differing tastes of the voting blocs were reflected as British radio darlings The Arctic Monkeys won the award over James Blunt and the Kaiser Chiefs. Jack Johnson won the International equivalent.

In the only uncontested award of the evening, Paul Weller of The Jam was honored with an award recognizing his Outstanding Contribution To Music, the equivalent of a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other winners announced last evening:

British Female Artist - KT Tunstall

International Female Artist - Madonna

International Male Artist - Kanye West

British Urban Act - Lemar

Labels: Coldplay