Meanwhile, Sam Smith could follow victory at the Grammys with triumph on home soil at Britain’s most prestigious music awards.
The soulful singer has five nominations for Wednesday’s Brit Awards, including best album and best male artist.
The 22-year-old cemented his star status by winning four Grammys earlier this month, including record of the year for “Stay With Me.”
Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Take That and Madonna were among performers at the Brits ceremony, which recognizes international stars alongside homegrown talent.
It has been a big year for British music, with Smith storming the Grammys and artists like Ed Sheeran, baby-faced singer-songwriter George Ezra and the still-ubiquitous One Direction making waves.
The Brits were once renowned for chaos, enlivened by incidents including a 1992 stunt in which British band the KLF left a dead sheep at the after-show dinner.
The ceremony has been transformed in recent years into a slick if predictable talent showcase — though the presence of the ever-provocative Madonna and unpredictable West could liven up the event at London’s O2 arena.
The initial tone of the ceremony was accomplished but not edgy, opening with a sleekly saucy performance of “Blank Space” by a black-clad Taylor Swift.
Swift was named best international female artist, while cuddly crooner Sheeran took the prize for best British male solo performer.
A dash of rock ‘n’ roll was added by grungy duo Royal Blood, awarded the best British group trophy by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page — once a symbol of rock rebellion, now a distinguished elder statesman.
Royal Blood singer Mike Kerr said the award was a surprise to the band, and possibly to the audience, “as you may not even know who we are.”
Sheeran and George Ezra went into the awards with four nominations each. Royal Blood was up for three, while female British nominees included FKA Twigs and Ella Henderson.
International nominees included U.S. band The War On Drugs, Beyonce, Beck and Swedish duo First Aid Kit.
This year’s curved white Brits statuette was designed by Tracey Emin, the latest in a line of U.K. artists enlisted to remake the trophy annually.
Winners in most categories are decided by a ballot of music-industry members, with some chosen by public vote.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
