Kanye West won the 2009 BRIT Award for International Male Solo Artist.
The award was presented at the 2009 BRIT Awards ceremony, held on February 18 at Earls Court in London. West was competing in a field that included Beck, Jay-Z, Neil Diamond, and Seasick Steve. His win recognized his international standing following the success of albums such as 2007’s Graduation and 2008’s 808s & Heartbreak.
The wording can cause confusion because the category is sometimes informally called “Best International Male Solo Artist,” while the official BRIT category was “International Male Solo Artist.” Kanye West also appeared in the 2009 awards’ musical conversation through his collaboration with Estelle on “American Boy,” but the award itself was given to West as a solo artist. The ceremony also honored Duffy, Kings of Leon, Elbow, and the Pet Shop Boys in other major categories.