Adele has trounced the competition at the 2015 BBC Music Awards, winning two of the five prizes in the form of British Artist of the Year and BBC Live Performance of the Year, for her BBC One live special ‘Adele at the BBC’ last month.

The 27 year old was not present for the second annual ceremony at Birmingham’s Genting Arena, but she sent a message by way of reaction saying: “That's amazing. I've only just put out new music. I'm so chuffed.”

AdeleAdele was absent for the ceremony at Birmingham's Genting Arena, but won two prizes anyway

Her latest album 25 has been breaking chart records on both sides of the Atlantic since it was released just over a fortnight ago. “Sorry I'm not there, I'm absolutely gutted but thanks so much for my award. Thank you so, so much. I hope you're all having a wonderful night.”

Another of the evening’s prizes also went to an absent artist, as Taylor Swift scooped International Artist of the Year. “I wish I could be with you right now but I'm on tour in Australia. Thank you so much for this BBC Music Award for International Artist of the Year. It was an amazing highlight of the year for me getting to play Big Weekend in Norwich. You guys have been so supportive and wonderful. Thank-you so much, it's amazing.”

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Newcomer Jack Garratt was awarded the BBC Music ‘Introducing’ Artist of the Year, with his debut album due out in February 2016, and Irish singer-songwriter Hozier walked home with the one publicly nominated prize of the evening. His hit single ‘Take Me To Church’ beat out tracks by nine other artists to win Song of the Year.

As well as live turns from Ellie Goulding, Little Mix and Rod Stewart, the evening was also notable as it was opened by a performance from One Direction, in one of their last scheduled appointments before they take a year-long hiatus.

After they played, co-host Chris Evans collared the band for interview and asked whether they were really planning on a career break. “It sounds like a stupid plan but, yes, it's true,” said 1D’s Liam Payne.

More: Noel Gallagher describes Adele’s new album as “cheesy music for grannies”