British singer and songwriter Adele arrives at the BRIT Awards at the O2 arena in London, Feb 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"To come back after so long away and be so warmly received is really lovely - thank you so much," said Adele, dressed in a floor-length red gown, as she picked up her first award of the night for best British female. Her previous album, "21", was released four years earlier.

The London-born singer also scooped awards for best British female, best British single, and the "BRITs Global Success" award. She was the only artist or group to receive more than one award at the ceremony.