Adele says 'I love being a woman' as she accepts gender neutral Brit award

Watch: Adele says she loves being a woman

Adele hailed being a woman as she accepted the International Artist gong at the first gender neutral BRIT Awards.

The Easy On Me singer - who recently cancelled her Las Vegas residency at the last minute - flew into London especially for the ceremony, where she collected three gongs and performed her new song I Drink Wine live, while sitting atop a grand piano.

Adele, 33, said as she collected the International Artist award: "I understand why the name of this award has changed but I really love being a woman and being a female artist. I do. I’m really proud of us, I really, really am."

The Someone Like You singer also won Song of the Year for her latest hit Easy On Me and Album of the Year for 30, which was inspired by her divorce from entrepreneur Simon Konecki.

Read more: Adele makes tearful calls to fans after last-minute cancellation of Las Vegas shows

Adele dedicated the award to her nine-year-old son Angelo and her ex-husband.

Watch: Adele thanks ex-husband Simon Konecki during 2022 Brit Awards speech

She said: "I want to thank everyone I work with but I want to dedicate this to my son, and to Simon, his dad, this album was all of our journey, not just mine.

"I am very proud of myself for sticking to my guns and putting out an album about something so personal, not many people do stuff like that anymore.

"And my son has been so gracious and kind and patient with me over the last over years, so it's for him."

Adele - who is currently in a relationship with US sports agent Rich Paul - walked the red carpet wearing a huge diamond ring on her engagement finger, which she made sure was photographed.

She recently addressed the rumours their relationship is on the rocks, writing on Instagram: "Hiya, so I’m really happy to say that I am performing at the BRITs next week!! I’m looking forward to it! Oh, and Rich sends his love."

This year saw the awards for Best Male International Artist and Best Female International Artist, replaced by just one gender neutral award. The Best Male and Female Solo Artist accolades were also replaced by just one inclusive award.

This changed comes into place after singer Sam Smith - who identifies as non-binary - previously called out organisers over the issue.

The three-time winner said: "Music for me has always been about unification not division.

Read more: Sam Smith prefers pronouns 'they' and 'them.'

"I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in."