WITH A LITTLE BRIT OF LUCK, DIDO COMES OUT ON TOP

British pop singer/songwriter Dido ought to issue a hearty "thank you" to the members of the Academy after nailing Best Album and Best Female Brit Awards during ceremonies at London's Earl's Court last night.

The British performer's No Angel earned top honors, while Dido topped Sophie Ellis Bextor, Mercury Award winner PJ Harvey, ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Sade for Best Female.

Robbie Williams nabbed Best Male, his record-shattering 13th Brit Award, while Travis won a mild upset over Stereophonics for Best Group. Basement Jaxx took Best Dance while Best Pop Act went to Westlife, which earned the nod over Kylie Minogue, herself a two-time winner as Best International Female (over Bjork, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado and Anastacia) and Best International Album. The Aussie pop diva's global smash, Fever, comes out in the U.S. on Capitol Tuesday amid heightened expectations for American success.

Shaggy was named Best International Male (over the likes of Bob Dylan and Dr. Dre) and Destiny's Child beat out Limp Bizkit and R.E.M. to be honored as Best International Group. The Strokes, whose buzz originated in England, earned Best International Newcomers, while Blue was named Best U.K. Newcomer, beating back the likes of Mis-Teeq, So Solid Crew and the Gorillaz, with only the latter making a commercial dent Stateside.

Finally, Sting took home the org's equivalent of a gold watch, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The absence of nods for global superstars like Madonna, U2 or Britney Spears had many criticizing the nomination process... Hey, just like awards shows here in the States.

Performances included Madonna video co-star and U.K. comic DJ Ali G's duet with Shaggy, along with a performance by the animated Gorillaz behind an elaborate big screen set-up that reportedly cost 400,000 pounds—that's British for dollars, give or take a quid or two. Take that, Mike Greene.

For a complete list of winners, click here.