British singer Adele receives her award for British Album of the Year from radio presenter Nick Grimshaw at the BRIT Awards at the O2 arena in London, Britain, Feb 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

British singer Adele stole the show on Wednesday evening at the 2016 BRIT Awards in London, making a triumphant return to the star-studded ceremony as she picked up four trophies, including the coveted "album of the year" award.

The BRIT Awards, held in London's O2 arena, are the mainstream British music industry's most prestigious awards ceremony, having been held every year since 1982. On the bill at this year's bash were international stars Rihanna and Justin Bieber, as well as home-grown artists James Bay and Coldplay.

Adele's "25" album missed out on a Grammy nomination because its November release date made it ineligible for this year's awards, so the BRITs gave the British songtress her first major award show recognition for her third studio album, which became the best-selling album of 2015.