For Emeli Sande 2012 has been a momentous year. And as if her stunning performances at both the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, recent number one single and fairytale wedding, weren't enough, the Scottish singer is now the proud winner of three MOBO awards.Liverpool's Echo Arena errupted into applause on Saturday night as Emeli collected the titles of Best Female, Best R&B / Soul act and Best Album for her release Our Version of Events.
But such honours and record sales that have topped Adele's, haven't gone to the Aberdeen-born singer's head. Emeli thanked her husband for keeping her feet on the ground. "Being married is great" she gushed, adding "when everything's going crazy in my career, it's nice to feel secure at home. I feel very grounded. "The 25-year-old singing sensation, who married Adam Gouraguine in September , now has plans for her "biggest tour yet" which starts in November before enjoying her first Christmas as a married woman. But the break wont be a long one as Emeli revealed she's soon returning to songwriting. "I've been writing for a lot of people," she said "so I'll be starting to think about new material and things I want to write."
Whilst Emeli was the top winner at the awards, which honour music of black origin, there were plenty more happy stars. JLS went home with the gong for best video and London rapper Plan B scooped Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop / Grime Act.Plan B, whose real name is Ben Drew, collected his award from Rita Ora, who flew in from her tour of the US for the occasion and to collect her first ever award: Best Newcomer. The RIP singer, who rose to fame early this yaer, tweeted her delight: "I won BEST NEWCOMER thank you to everyone who voted its the First thing I've ever won!! Jamaican-rapper Sean Paul took the award for best reggae Act, whilst the lifetime achievement award went to American soul star Dionne Warwick.
The night was hosted by Miquita Oliver and Adam Deacon, as celebrities and music artists including Jennifer Metcalfe, Delilah and Rebecca Ferguson were all in attendance.Later on in the evening, 90s American pop trio TLC were awarded a special award for their Outstanding Contribution to Music. Band members Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas collected their accolade, while family members of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez, who tragically died in 2002, also attended to celebrate on her behalf. Dionne presented the band responsible for hits such as Unpretty, Scrubs and Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls with the award.British rapper Labrinth and X Factor stars JLS performed for the crowds. Labrinth, who treated fans to a fusion of his biggest hits, also went home with the honour of the Best Song prize for his hit Earthquake. Taking the title of Best International Act was US singer Nicki Minaj.