Katy Perry and Welsh singer Duffy are the early winners at the Brit Awards in London, after claiming the night's first two prizes on Wednesday.

Duffy picked up the Best British Female Solo Artist prize, while soul man Lionel Richie presented I Kissed A Girl singer Perry with the award for International Female Solo Artist.

Perry battled illness to attend the Brits, explaining to the crowd, "I'm so sick right now, but they said I should show up because something special might happen... I want to die right now."

The show, at London's Earl's Court arena, is being hosted by Australian pop star Kylie Minogue. Rockers U2 followed up their opening performance at the Grammy Awards earlier this month by kicking off proceedings with a performance of their new single Get On Your Boots.

Click here for pictures of the babes at the 2009 Brit Awards

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)