BRIT Awards honour the late David Bowie with touching tribute

Lorde performed a musical tribute, performing "Life On Mars" after an instrumental medley from Bowie's former band.

Speaking about Bowie in a heartfelt speech, Lennox said:

"As an innovative writer, performer, and rockstar, there was no one - and nothing else - like him. He was truly unique: a quintessential visionary pushing the limits of his shapeshifting persona; he ultimate iconoclast; gracious, dangerous, and legendary. The legacy of his extraordinary Sound and Vision will be loved and revered for as long as the Earth still spins."

Actor Gary Oldman, a longtime friend of Bowie, accepted the award. In his speech, he emphasised the icon's humour and creativity:

"I can share with you that David faced his illness with enormous courage, and dignity, and grace, and customary humour. Even in dire circumstances... when he wrote to tell me he had cancer, he added that 'the good news is I've got my cheekbones back...'"

Bowie sadly passed away following an 18-month battle with cancer on 10 January. He released his 25th and final studio record Blackstar on 8 January, his 69th birthday, as a "parting gift".

Watch the BRIT Icon delivery/acceptance below, and Lorde's performance after.