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LONDON - Adele claimed the first award at the 2012 BRITs in London on Tuesday, setting the tone for a night when the global chart sensation is expected to dominate.

 

After opening performances from Coldplay and Florence + The Machine, and a short video tribute to the late Whitney Houston, it was down to business at a packed O2 Arena.

 

Adele, as expected, was named British female solo artist of the year, reward for a record-breaking run in the charts with her second album "21".

 

"I feel like I look like a drag queen next to you," she joked, receiving the statuette from diminutive Australian pop star Kylie Minogue. "It's been an amazing year."

 

Fresh from her sweep of six Grammys in the United States, the 23-year-old Londoner is favorite to add at least one more BRIT to her awards cabinet -- the coveted best album prize for "21".

 

And few would be surprised to see her walk away with the best single honor for "Someone Like You", making it three prizes from three nominations.

 

Adele is due to perform at the awards, British pop's highest honors which are being broadcast live on television, marking her first performance in Britain since recovering from surgery on her vocal cords late last year.

 

She sang "Rolling In the Deep" at the February 12 Grammys, earning her a standing ovation.

 

The most-nominated act this year was Sheeran, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter who garnered four nominations -- best album ("+"), best single ("The A Team"), best British male solo artist and British breakthrough act.

 

Sheeran sang acoustic guitar number "Lego House" in a typically understated performance.

 

Also due on stage are Rihanna, Noel Gallagher, Bruno Mars and Blur, who will receive an outstanding contribution award.

 

Other BRIT nominees include Jessie J, who is up for three awards, and veteran Kate Bush, shortlisted for best female, sealing a remarkable comeback.

 

Florence & The Machine and Coldplay are each nominated twice, as are Emeli Sande, this year's Critics' Choice winner, and Americans Bon Iver and Aloe Blacc.

 

The stars turned out for a pre-awards dinner at the O2 Arena in London.

 

"Video Games" star Lana Del Rey, nominated in the international breakthrough category, turned up in a long, red gown, and British Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton joined her on the red carpet. — Reuters