KAISER CHIEFS - KANYE, BLUNT AND KAISERS AMONG EARLY BRIT WINNERS

English rockers KAISER CHIEFS are leading the winners at tonight's (15FEB06) Brit Awards, picking up two trophies at the London bash.

Kaiser Chiefs opened the star-studded ceremony in the British capital's Earls Court venue with their megahit I PREDICT A RIOT, before going on to triumph over FRANZ FERDINAND, HARD-FI, KASABIAN and OASIS to win British Rock Act, as well as British Live Act.

Hip-hop star KANYE WEST, who arrived at the awards with ten bikini-clad beauties covered in gold, has been named International Male Solo Artist over BECK, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JACK JOHNSON and JOHN LEGEND.

Ex-Army major JAMES BLUNT, who is up in five categories, has won Pop Act over KATIE MELUA, KELLY CLARKSON, MADONNA and WESTLIFE.

Former pro-surfer Johnson beat ARCADE FIRE, DANIEL POWTER, John Legend and THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS to win International Breakthrough Act, while talent show winner LEMAR was named British Urban Act.

Meanwhile, newcomers ARCTIC MONKEYS have won British Breakthrough Act, but could not pick up the award due to a gig in Portsmouth, England.

Reclusive superstar PRINCE made a surprise appearance on stage, wowing the crowd with an amazing performance of PURPLE RAIN.

The awards continues.