Adele: Gongs 2 – Fingers 1 at Brit Awards

With two new prizes to call her own, Adele was just starting her thank-yous for best British album when the powers that be decided Adele’s 49 seconds of thanks to her fans were enough. Her reaction to the affront was a single-digit salute: "I flung the middle finger. That was for the suits at the Brit Awards,” she said. The action, however, was not a message to fans, Adele told the press shortly after the incident: “I'm sorry if I offended anyone but the suits offended me," she commented.

Adele’s other prize was for best British female. Beating her for best British single were former X Factor cuties One Direction. Best British group was bestowed upon Coldplay, for the third time; a record in itself.

Ed Sheeran also scooped up a pair of gongs. His two awards were for the best British male and British breakthrough categories.

It‘s been a big week for Adele, with six Grammy Awards coming her way last weekend. At just 23, she is already a worldwide success. Her album 21, which has sold 17 million copies globally, has reached the top spot in 24 countries.

In the 49 seconds that she was able to speak, the singer said, "Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys and then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year. I'm so proud to be British and to be flying our flag."

Just moments later, she was halted to bring Blur to the stage, and that is when she let fly that  one solo finger that was caught live on ITV1.

The event featured some great performances, including Adele singing hit Rolling at the Deep, Florence and the Machine, Rihanna, Noel Gallagher, Olly Murs/Rizzle Kicks and a medley by Blur, who hadn’t appeared at the Brit Awards since 1995.