BRITS PRAISE EMINEM, WILLIAMS

While Grammy voters decided to choose Steely Dan over Eminem for Album of the Year honors, a U.K. electorate named the controversial rapper Best International Male Artist at the Brit Awards, England's most prestigious music awards ceremony.

Elton John, who performed with Eminem at the Grammy Awards last week (hitsdailydouble.com, 2/21), presented the rapper with his prize Tuesday (2/27) at Earl's Court Arena in London.

"And the winner is... Steely Dan," Eminem joked moments after receiving his Brit Award, obviously in reference to his Grammy loss.

Despite gay and lesbian rights activists' threats to disrupt the ceremony (in response to Eminem's scheduled appearance), the rapper received a rousing standing ovation after performing. Only about 20 anti-Eminem demonstrators showed up to picket the event.

Eminem's showing surprisingly did not ruffle many feathers, and the annual gala, typically a hot bed for controversy, went fairly smoothly. That said, the awards, perennially a very public forum often used by attendees to air grievances and boast drunken threats, was devoid of the usual hijinks.

The only real controversy surrounding the event was that British teen sensation Craig David, nominated for a record six awards, was shut out.

David's snubbing opened the door for Robbie Williams, known in the U.K. as the "King of the Brits." The night's big winner, Williams added three more Brits to his collection, which now totals 12—the most ever. This year, he was honored as Best British Male Solo Artist, and took home prizes for Best British Single and Best Video for his "Rock DJ."

Grammy Record and Song of the Year winners U2, who performed four numbers during the night, nabbed kudos for Best International Group, and was given a special prize for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

Other winners on the night included Westlife for Best Pop Act, A1 for Best British Newcomer, Sonique for Best British Female Solo Artist and Kelis for Best International Newcomer. Newcomers Coldplay were handed the Best British Group and Best British Album awards for "Parachutes."

No confirmation that the festivities were less confrontational than in years past because Oasis was represented by Noel Gallagher and not brother Liam, who has been responsible for more than a few previous incidents.