Duffy triumphs as Coldplay leave the Brits empty-handed

Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy, virtually unknown a year ago, cemented her title as the new queen of British pop last night, winning three of the key prizes at the Brit awards, held at the Earls Court arena in London.

The 24-year-old, who released her first album, Rockferry, last March, saw off challenges from far more established acts to take the awards for British Album, British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act.

Her triumphs meant that Coldplay, who performed at the awards bedecked in questionable Les Miserables-inspired stage clothes, left with nothing. They even lost out in the Best Single category, which was won by Girls Aloud for their song The Promise. "It's basically been a shit day," said Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin.

Heavy metal band Iron Maiden were named Best British Live Act and Paul Weller won British Male Solo Artist. As reported here, William Hill had had to suspend betting on Weller - who was recognised for his ninth solo studio album, 22 Dreams - after a series of carefully orchestrated gambles led the bookmaker to suspect punters were acting on inside information.

Elbow, the band forever described as the journeymen of British rock music, were named Best British Group, beating the reformed Take That, who also performed at the event.

Two of the awards had been announced beforehand. The Pet Shop Boys, who performed live with Brandon Flowers, lead singer of the Killers, scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Music title, and a new act, Florence and the Machine, took the Critics' Choice Award. ·