British singer Sam Smith wins big at Grammy Awards

By Mustafa Caglayan

NEW YORK

British soul singer Sam Smith led the Grammy Awards on Sunday, winning four prizes including record and song of the year for "Stay With Me."

The 23-year-old vocalist was also named the new artist of the year and won the best pop vocal album prize for his debut full-length "In The Lonely Hour."

"I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year," he said as he accepted the most prestigious award, song of the year. "Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys."

Long-serving alternative rocker Beck took home the album of the year prize for his 12th studio LP "Morning Phase," which was also named best rock album.

"We made this record at my house for the most part so I would like to thank my kids," Beck said after accepting the prize from R&B icon Prince.

Other big winners of the night included Pharrell Williams, Beyonce and Rosanne Cash, who won three awards each.

Experimental techno pioneers Aphex Twin won the best dance/electronic album for "Syro."

Arguably the most prestigious award of the recording industry, a Grammy of any sort usually results in bigger record sales as well as increased recognition for the artists.