The Weeknd won International Male Solo Artist – presented virtually by Michelle Obama – at the 2021 Brit Awards on Tuesday.
"I wish I was there to accept the award," said The Weeknd. "I want to shout out my UK fans for helping me breakout into the world. If it wasn't for you guys, I would not be standing here right now. So, thank you. I love you."
The Canadian singer beat out Bruce Springsteen, Burna Boy, Childish Gambino and Tame Impala to win his first BRIT Award. He was nominated in the category in 2016 and 2017.
He is the third artist from Canada to win the award – Justin Bieber won in 2016 and Drake was the winner in 2017 and 2019.
The Weeknd, who performed "Save Your Tears" in a pre-taped segment earlier in the show, is also nominated for this month's iHeartRadio Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and JUNO Awards.
The International Female Solo Artist award went to Billie Eilish and HAIM was named winner of International Group.
Other winners at the BRITs were Arlo Parks (Breakthrough Artist) and J Hus (Male Solo Artist).
Little Mix picked up the British Group award – the first all-female act to win the category – and Dua Lipa won Female Solo Artist and Album (for Future Nostalgia).
“Last time I was up here accepting this award, in 2018, I said that I want to see more women on these stages," Lipa said, while accepting the first of her two awards. "I feel so proud that three years later we’re seeing that happen and it really is such an honour to be a part of this wave of women in music."
Another powerful message from @DUALIPA as she wins @MastercardUK Album #BRITs pic.twitter.com/MS5b5WbRiB
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) May 11, 2021
Taylor Swift was at the BRITs to become the first female artist and first non-English artist to win the Global Icon Award.
Swift called it an “incredible honour” and thanked her British fans. “I’m really, really proud to be a part of this musical community, especially in a year when we all needed music so much,” she said.
"If there’s one thing that I’ve learned it’s that you have to look around you every day and take note of the people who have always believed in you – and never stop appreciating them for it. Never take them for granted."
An extra special speech from @taylorswift13 as she receives the BRITs Global Icon Award #BRITs pic.twitter.com/kZ7EGSIv7Y
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) May 11, 2021
"Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles won the British Single award. “I just continue to be baffled by moments like this and they make me more and more incredibly grateful to be able to get to do this job every day,” said Styles. “I want to thank my fans for being so generous to me, always, and everyone in my life who has my back.”
Here is @Harry_Styles accepting his award, which yes we will be watching on repeat for the next week #BRITs pic.twitter.com/8FoKI37Fnv
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) May 11, 2021
Toronto’s David Furnish was at the BRITs to introduce his husband Elton John, who performed a cover of the 1987 Pet Shop Boys hit “It’s a Sin” with Olly Alexander (one of the stars of the TV series of the same name).