Fallen stars overshadow Brit Awards

The Brit Awards recognized big international stars including Drake and Beyoncé and a cross-section of homegrown talent Wednesday — but the ceremony was overshadowed by the muchmissed David Bowie and George Michael.

Bowie, who died in January 2016 at age 69, was crowned British male artist of the year and won British album of the year for Blackstar, released days before his death.

Bowie’s son, filmmaker Duncan Jones, accepted the best album award on behalf of his father, who he said had “always been there supporting people who think they’re a little bit weird or a little bit strange, a little bit different.”

As well as rewarding Bowie, the show paid tribute to one of the music industry’s many losses of 2016 — George Michael, who died on Christmas Day aged 53.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin performed a moving rendition of Michael’s A Different Corner — dueting with a recording of Michael himself.

Drake was named international male solo artist, while Beyoncé took the international female prize. Adele won four Brits, even though her album 25 was no longer eligible this year.

The hosts also paid tribute to Michael Bublé after the Canadian crooner was unable to host the ceremony as planned due to his son’s illness.

Bublé cancelled his hosting gig last month to focus on caring for his three-year-old son, Noah, who is fighting cancer.

Dermot O’Leary and Emma Willis began the night by sending the Canadian their best wishes.

Willis said everyone at the Brits sends Bublé their love and have their fingers crossed that they will “see him again next year.” The singer said earlier this year that Noah is “progressing well” as he undergoes treatment.

Bublé is still slated to host the Juno Awards on April 2.