Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran Win Big at Brit Awards

The Brit Awards--sadly the red-headed stepchild of awards shows for American viewers--took place last night at The O2 Arena in London. And, unlike the Oscars, this telecast was actually exciting.

Where to begin? Sam Smith took home two awards-- BRITs Global Success Award, British Breakthrough Act--as did gay strip club aficionado Ed Sheeran, who won British Male Solo Artist, Mastercard British Album of the Year.

Oh, and Sam posted this photo of himself with Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Taylor Swift on his Instagram.

Those weren't terribly unexpected; what was unexpected was the Queen of Pops' fall from the stage. Madonna took a tumble while performing "Living For Love," which she turned out flawlessly at the Grammys. Madonna said--via Instagram--that her cape was tied too tight, but she's fine never-the-less. That's paramount because, let's face it, Madge is pretty much a national treasure.

If you're looking for the highlights: One Direction took home the prize for British Artist Video of the Year for "You and I," Paloma Faith won for Best Female Solo Artist, Royal Blood scored British Group, T-Swift and Pharrell made off with International Female Solo Artist and International Male Solo Artist (respectively), and Mark Ronson won British Single for "Uptown Funk" ft. Bruno Mars. Oh, and Foo Fighters won International Group.

As for miscellaneous highlights: Kanye debuted "All Day," Taylor Swift turned it out with her Cabaret inspired performance of "Blank Space," (full on Liza realness) and Sam Smith killed with his rendition of "Lay Me Down."