Travis took two of the biggest awards at Friday's Brit Awards, winning in the Best British Group and Best British Album (for The Man Who) categories. Robbie Williams and Macy Gray also took home two Brits each at the ceremony held at London's Earls Court. Williams' "She's the One" took the award for Best British Single, as well as Best British Video (a category determined by British MTV viewers), while Gray won Best International Female and Best International Newcomer. Other yanks who took home awards included Beck (Best International Male) and TLC (Best International Group).

Travis won the award for the Best British Group, while Tom Jones and Beth Orton won Brits for Best British Male and Female Singer, respectively.

The awards ceremony didn't quite come off without a hitch, as one of Will Smith's dancers fell off the stage during rehearsals and had to make an emergency room visit. But the program managed to run smoothly after the mishap, opening with 5ive (winners of Best British Pop Act) performing "We Will Rock You" backed by the surviving members of Queen and a large percussion ensemble. Despite the prior accident, Smith still pulled off a live rendition of "Y2K/Freakin' It." Ricky Martin and Travis also contributed live performances to the show.

The Chemical Brothers, who led all nominees with three nods, only netted one award for Best British Dance Act.

The Spice Girls received the evening's highest honor when they were presented with the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award.

ANDREW DANSBY
(March 3, 2000)