LONDON (AP) — Britain’s music industry saluted chart-topping talent and departed icons at Wednesday’s Brit Awards, where nominees include Drake, Beyonce and David Bowie.

Bowie, who died in January 2016, was named British male artist of the year and is also nominated in the album of the year category for valedictory release “Blackstar”

Bowie’s award was accepted by Michael C. Hall, star of “Lazarus,” a stage musical based around the late artist’s songs.

“If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn’t be here tonight,” Hall said of the famously elusive musician.

Organizers said the Brits, the U.K. equivalent of the Grammys, would also include a tribute to George Michael, who died on Christmas Day at age 53.

The flashy show at London ‘s O2 Arena opened with girl group Little Mix giving a thunderous performance of “Shout Out to My Ex,” backed by a troupe of silver-pained dancers.

Soulful chanteuse Emeli Sande was named female British artist of the year, while Manchester indie pop band The 1975 won the trophy for best British band.

Singer Matt Healy noted that the band, whose album “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It” has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, had had the same lineup since the members were 13.