Duff at the top

BRITAIN’S biggest bands - COLDPLAY and TAKE THAT were sensationally snubbed at the Brit Awards 2009, while Welsh wonder DUFFY emerged triumphant.

The Viva La Vida rockers and the veteran boy band walked away empty handed from the ceremony in London’s Earls Court despite having been nominated in five categories.

But it was Welsh songbird Duffy’s haul of three awards that was the biggest tally of the night.

The 24-year-old scooped British Female, Breakthrough Act and the much sought after British Album gong for her debut collection Rockferry.

She said: “British female? I don’t know what that means, I suppose it’s a good job my mum didn’t have a boy.”

Coldplay were in the running for British Album, British Group, British Live Act and British single, while GARY BARLOW’s gang were up for British Group.

Mercury Prize winners ELBOW won the award for British Group.

Ageing heavy metal outfit IRON MAIDEN scooped the British Live Act gong.

British Male was won by former Jam front man PAUL WELLER. Betting for the accolade was suspended on Monday due to irregularities.

American rockers KINGS OF LEON did the double in the categories they were nominated in – landing International Group and International Album for Only By The Night.

Band member NATHAN FOLLOWILL said: “It wasn’t just for good looks that we won this award, it was actually for the music as well.

“Thank you UK. You are amazing. Without you we would be nothing.”

KANYE WEST scooped International Male, while I Kissed A Girl singer KATY PERRY went home with the International Female statuette.

And newcomer FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE took home the previously announced Critics’ Choice Award.

THE PET SHOP BOYS received their Outstanding Contribution gong.

Presenters included singer LIONEL RICHIE, comic SIMON PEGG, pianist JAMIE CULLUM, chef JAMIE OLIVER and boxer JOE CALZAGHE.

Performances on the night came from U2 who tore through a raucous rendition of their comeback single Get On Your Boots.

GIRLS ALOUD, Duffy, Kings Of Leon, Coldplay, ESTELLE and THE TING TINGS, Take That and The Pet Shop Boys, who were joined by THE KILLERS’ frontman BRANDONFLOWERS and recent chart-topper LADY GAGA.

Gavin & Stacey funny men MAT HORNE and JAMES CORDEN hosted the show alongside KYLIE MINOGUE.