Late David Bowie honoured with two wins at BRIT Awards

File photo - British Pop Star David Bowie screams into the microphone as he performs on stage during his concert in Vienna February 4, 1996. [Photo/Agencies]

Late music icon David Bowie was the big winner at the BRITs in London on Wednesday, taking the British male solo artist and album of the year prizes at the UK's top music awards.

Bowie, a pop chameleon who won legions of fans with his ground-breaking music, released his last album, "Blackstar," days before his death from cancer at age of 69 in January 2016.

At the British Record Industry Trust (BRIT) awards, Bowie beat off competition from the likes of grime artist Skepta, rapper Kano and singer Michael Kiwanuka in both the "British male solo artist" and "Mastercard British album of the year" categories.

"He's always been there supporting people who think theyrre a little bit weird or a little bit strange, a little bit different, and he's always been there for them," Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, said as he collected the album award. "This award is for all the kooks and all the people who make the kooks."

Held in the capital's O2 arena, the televised BRITs are the mainstream British music industry's top awards ceremony. The evening saw performances from Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.

American singer Perry performed her single "Chained to the Rhythm" alongside dancers wearing models of white houses.

Perry, who wore an armband reading "Persist" when she performed the song at this month's Grammy Awards, was joined by two giant skeletons. British media and viewers taking to social media said the skeletons appeared to be dressed in outfits similar to what US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May wore when the two recently met in Washington.

Singer George Michael, who died in December, was honoured with a tribute of his song "A Different Corner," performed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Clips of the ex-Wham! singer appeared on stage, speaking as well as singing the same song.