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By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN and BEN TODD
Sexy in sequins: Cheryl Cole sparkled for the flashbulbs in her long black gown which showed off her slender figure... but missed out on the British Female Solo Artist to Laura MarlingShe might have led the glamour on the red carpet at the BRIT Awards last night but Cheryl Cole was left disappointed as she walked away empty-handed.
The pop star arrived at the annual event in a stunning backless black dress which was covered in sequins, and had a long split up her right thigh.
But despite her dazzling appearance, the X Factor judge missed out on the British Female Solo Artist and the British Single awards.
Back beauty: Cheryl flashes her silky smooth skin in her daring dress which showed off her tattoo
She was pipped to the post for the British Female Solo artist by relative unknown singer Laura Marling, and lost out to Tinie Tempah on the British Single award, for which she was nominated for her single Parachutes.
But despite her double loss, she beamed brightly for the cameras as she demanded the flashbulbs' attention in her sparkling gown.
And she did get a chance to get up on stage as she presented the award for International Female Solo Artist to Rihanna.
The boys are back in town: Take That, who won British Group, kicked off proceedings with a performance of their song Kidz... 
... but lost out on the British Album gong to Mumford & Sons, who performed an acoustic version of Timshel, from Sigh No MoreCheryl wasn't the only one to miss out last night, as Take That were pipped to Best Album by public school boys Mumford & Sons.
The four-piece and their debut album Sigh No More - which has now sold more than one million copies - collected the most prestigious prize at the ceremony, which took place for the first time at London’s O2 Arena.
Waterfall: Rihanna opened her performance from behind a curtain meant to look like water running
Lady in red: She then came through the curtain to reveal a sexy silk number decorated with roses...
... which she then peeled off to reveal a black leotard which showed off her curvesIndeed, the night was a triumph for the folk world with another little-known member of the ‘scene’ Laura Marling - who ironically previously dated Marcus Mumford and is now believed to be dating Gavin and Stacey star Mat Horne - triumphing in the Best British Female Solo artist category.
Take That had to content themselves with being named Best British Group - the band's seventh BRIT - which cemented the group’s place as the nation’s top band and was presented to them by Dermot O'Leary.
Did you steal Take That's dancers? Plan B - who won British Male Solo Artist - performed two of his hits with his backing dancers dressed as riot police, one of whom was on fire
Sharing the glory: Tinie Tempah brought friend and fellow singer Labrinth as they performed Pass Out, which won Tempah the British Single gongThe band reformed as a quartet following a TV documentary in 2005. They then returned to their original five-piece line-up when Robbie Williams, 37, re-joined last summer.
The group – Williams, Gary Barlow, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Howard Donald – also performed for the star-studded audience at the event, which was hosted by comedian James Corden, with their song Kidz, taken from their album Progress.
Straight from the Grammys: Justin Bieber, who won International Breakthrough Act, and Cee Lo Green, who won International Male Solo Artist, had both jetted in from Los Angeles for the event
Claps for the Canadians: Rockers Arcade Fire won the awards for International Group and International AlbumThis was the first time they had won British Group and as they were awarded the gong, Gary said: 'Brilliant, thank you all so much.'
Mark then grabbed the microphone and turned to Williams and said: 'Can I say thanks for coming back mate. Appreciate it. It's a real pleasure for the five of us to be up here.'
Here you go! Rihanna looked delighted as Cheryl presented her with the award for International Female ArtistDressed military style, they sent their fans and the rest of the BRITS guests wild as they stomped and sang and were joined by dancers dressed as armed police with riot shields.
The other artists celebrating two awards were Canadian rock act Arcade Fire who picked up the Best International Group and Best International Album award for their record The Suburbs.
British babes: Jessie J thanks the crowd after she is awarded the Critics Choice award and Adele treated the O2 Arena to Someone Like You from her new album 21The band, who also performed last night, jetted in from Los Angeles for the event after they were lauded at the Grammy Awards.
However, the Brits were short of many of the more well-known American stars after the Grammys – which usually takes place two weeks before the Brits – this year took place on Sunday evening.
Collaboration: Cee Lo Green was joined by Paloma Faith as they wrapped up the show with his hit single Forget YouJustin Bieber, who won International Breakthrough Act, made the trip as did Cee Lo, who won International Male Solo Artist and revealed that he had only been in the UK for eight hours, but still managed a lively performance at the end of the show.
But Brit Award organisers had said that this year’s event would concentrate on young British talent.
Luck be a lady: Laura Marling looked overwhelmed as she posed with her British Female Solo Artist award, while Jessie J couldn't contain her delight as she kissed her Critics Choice gong
Double whammy: Tinie Tempah clutches his two BRITS, his happiness oozing from his broad smileAnd it certainly did that with rapper and singer Plan B, who won Best British Male Solo Artist before he took to the stage later to perform She Said and Prayin'.
But it was Tinie Tempah who stole the show, winning two gongs, one for British Single and the other for British Breakthrough Act.
The show was wrapped up by Cee Lo Green who sang his top ten hit Forget You with Paloma Faith.
Justin Bieber Brit Awards 2011 part 1
Justin Bieber Brit Awards 2011 part 2
Rihanna performing at 2011 Brit Awards 15.02.11
Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth Live Peformance - BRIT AWARDS 2011
Mumford and Sons Sing Live On The Brit Awards 2011 - Mumford And Sons Win Album Of The Year
Cee Lo Green singing his hit song at the Brit Awards 2011
Cheryl cole hosting the Brit Awards 2011
source: dailymail [endtext]
