Adele Flips the Bird at Brit Music Awards Host During Acceptance Speech

The show's broadcaster issued an apology—to Adele

Adele enjoyed another night in the spotlight at the British Music Awards Tuesday, but it wasn't her double win or powerful performance that proved to be the most memorable.

It was her middle finger, flipped at the show's host, on stage for all to see, that shone above all else.

"I'm sorry if I offended anyone but it was the suits that offended me," Adele said, explaining that her gesture was intended for host James Corden, who cut off her acceptance speech. "Thank you all very much and thanks to my fans. I don't want them to think I was swearing at them."

The 23-year-old, who swept the Grammys with six wins last week, added album of the year and best British female solo artist to her accolades at the UK awards show.

"It's been an amazing year," Adele said as she accepted her first award of the night from petite pop star Kylie Minogue.

It was her second acceptance speech that ultimately forced the songstress to later explain herself.

"Nothing beats coming home with six Grammys and then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year," she began. "I'm so proud to be British and to be flying the flag," she continued when Corden appeared on stage, and apologetically asked if he could cut her off.

"Are you about to cut me off?" she asked. "Can I just say then, goodbye and I'll see you next time 'round."

That's when the finger flew, the crowd applauded, and Corden introduced Blur, the next act up.

The show's broadcaster, ITV, later issued an apology—to Adele.

"We regret this happened and we send deepest apologies to Adele that her big moment was cut short tonight due to the live show over-running," an ITV statement said.

Corden later told ITV2 that he was upset he had to move her off stage.

"She's the biggest star in the world. I don't understand what happened but I'm upset about it," he said, according to NME. "Blur played for 11 minutes and she didn't get chance to say thank you once."

The songstress sang live for the second time since undergoing throat surgery last year. Her "Rolling in the Deep" performance won a standing ovation.

Other winners included Ed Sheeran who picked up best British solo male artist and best British breakthrough act. Bruno Mars won international male solo artist and Rihanna was picked best international female artist. Coldplay picked up its fourth award for best British group and the Foo Fighters were voted best international group.

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