Adele has said being at the Brit Awards made her feel like she was “coming home” as she took to the stage to collect the song of the year award for her hit single Easy on Me.

She said: “First of all I didn’t know that many songs were nominated for song of the year. I can’t believe that a piano ballad won up against that many bangers.

“But thank you so much. It is always a pleasure to be here. I always love coming home and the Brits is such a big part of my career since way back when I was a little foetus.”

Adele flashed a huge diamond ring on her left hand, prompting speculation on social media that she is engaged to her US sports agent boyfriend Rich Paul.

She was pictured arriving at the O2 before her first performance since postponing her Las Vegas residency last month, only 24 hours before the first show was set to begin at Caesars Palace. 

The Tottenham-born singer flew back from Los Angeles, where she now lives, to perform and was the star of the red carpet as she appeared in a long, black velvet gown with a sheer spotted collar and matching train.

The 33-year-old, who leads the pack with four nominations, posed for photos as she arrived on the red carpet to screams from adoring fans and gave a quick wave before heading inside. 

The star was nominated in the best artist, best pop artist, best album, and song of the year categories.