They had a time delay which CBS could only dream of, so although the Brits has only just finished on ITV, the stars themselves should be well into comparing cosmetic surgery and doing 'remember Atomic Kitten' jokes backstage by now. It wasn't the most rubbish Brit awards ever, but it didn't feel like history being made (they never do, any more; everyone is too drilled and polite its more like school prize giving than a rock bash).

There were some odd moments - Cat Deeley promised us an amazing collaboration between Outkast and Beyonce, but what we got was two distinct perfomances with a little noisy bridge (more a security wall) between them; Alicia Keys, Gwen Steffani and Missy Elliot were brought together to do Kiss in an idea which seemed to be almost daring us to declare the days when the grouping together of singers for an awards supergroup are over. The Darkness did two performances, but ITV in their wisdom decided to cut one off halfway through.

Still, Justin and the boys won't be too upset - three Brits (rock band, breakthrough brits and best album) will help soothe the pain a little. And they clearly feel they deserved them. Daniel Beddingfield literally phoned in his acceptance of Best British Male (presumably they have no web cameras in New Zealand?). Dido flew the flag for the anonymous female singers beloved of this festival, dedicating one of her awards to Kate Bush, which is on a par with buttermilk trying to claim it's always wanted to be a type of Bourbon.

Best moment of the night, though, was Duran's outstanding contribution award and three half-song set; Nick Rhodes reclaiming his crown as the coolest fucker in rock in his white suit and perfect pitch between bored and thrilled.

We've got a play-by-play full length report over on No Rock and Roll Fun.