One Direction
One Direction took to the stage for one of their last performances before they go on a hiatus BBC

One Direction made one of their last public performances at the BBC Music Awards, before their year-long break. The British boyband opened the show performing their hit Drag Me Down.

Host Chris Evans took the opportunity to ask if having a career break at the height of their success was the best idea they've ever had. Liam Payne replied: "It sounds like a stupid plan but, yes, it's true."

British artists dominated the awards with Hello singer Adele winning best British artist and best live performance. The singer could not attend the ceremony, but sent a message which said: "Sorry I'm not there. I'm absolutely gutted but thanks so much for my award. That's amazing. I've only just put out new music. I'm so chuffed. I hope you're all having a wonderful evening. I'd like to say a big hello to all the artists there. I think you're all incredible."

Her new album 25 has become the year's biggest seller on both sides of the Atlantic after just three weeks on sale.

US pop star Taylor Swift won the best international artist prize. The Shake It Off singer, who is currently on tour in Australia accepted the award via a video message. "Oh my God, this is really heavy. I really appreciate you guys shipping this out, because it must have cost a lot," she said.

The singer, whose 1989 world tour has been one of 2015's top earners, added that playing Radio 1's Big Weekend in Norwich had been "an amazing highlight of my year". "'Taylor Swift praises Norwich' now there's a headline," observed Evans.

Irish singer Hozier won song of the year for the ballad Take Me To Church in the show's only public vote. Commenting on the heavy-weight trophy, the singer said: "You could kill a man with it. I think they're going to put it in the new edition of Cluedo."

Jack Garratt picked up the BBC Introducing Award, recognising a newcomer who has risen through the ranks of the BBC's new music strand. "It's a weird feeling being validated for potential," he said. "A lot of these things are saying, 'you might be good next year' which is an incredible compliment to receive - but there's a certain pressure to it."

Other performers on the night included Ellie Goulding, who played an orchestral version of her 50 Shades Of Grey theme Love Me Like You Do, and Little Mix who rocked the stage with their hit single Black Magic.

Single ladies, Goulding and Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards put on a bold display on the red carpet, appearing to have put their recent heartbreaks behind them. Zayn Malik's former fiancee Perrie, 22, wore a thigh-skimming skirt and thigh-high boots while Ellie, 28, who recently split from McBusted's Dougie Poynter, wore a flattering long lace skirt.

Edwards' band mates Jade Thirllwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock turned up the heat in daring ensembles. Jade, 22, flashed her underwear in a sheer dress while Leigh-Anne, 24, exposed her bottom in a cut-out skirt. The band were coordinated in black, gothic inspired outfits.

Country duo The Shires performed a special duet with former beautiful South stars Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot, including the songs The Austerity of Love, Nashville Grey Skies and Leaving on a Jet Plane. Veteran rocker Rod Stewart closed the show with the songs Please and Sailing.

The full list of winners and nominees:

British artist of the year

  • Adele (winner)
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Jamie XX
  • Florence + The Machine
  • Foals
  • Years & Years

International artist of the year

  • Foo Fighters
  • Hozier
  • Major Lazer
  • Prince
  • Taylor Swift (winner)
  • The Weeknd

Song of the year

  • Ed Sheeran - Bloodstream
  • Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
  • Hozier - Take Me To Church (winner)
  • Jason Derulo - Want To Want Me
  • Jess Glynne - Hold My Hand
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ - Lean On
  • Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
  • OMI - Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)
  • The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face
  • Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth - See You Again

BBC live performance of the year

  • Adele at the BBC (winner)
  • Florence + The Machine - Glastonbury
  • Jeff Lynne's ELO - Radio 2 In Concert
  • Lionel Richie- Glastonbury
  • BBC Radio 1 at the BBC Proms
  • BBC Radio 1Xtra at the BBC Proms

BBC Introducing act

  • Jack Garratt (winner)
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Adele