If David Bowie were alive to see how the BRIT Awards paid tribute to him versus the GRAMMYs, he may have started to question his decision to make the US his adopted home. The BRIT Awards’ homage was elegant and tasteful and concluded with Lorde joining musicians who had performed with Bowie in the past for a rousing rendition of “Life on Mars.” Annie Lennox and Gary Oldman also took part in the remembrance, which you can watch below.

The tribute began with Annie Lennox coming out to say a few words about Bowie. She referred to him as “a cutting edge, artistic genius…the ultimate iconoclast, gracious, dangerous and legendary ” and said that “everything he represented as an artist will always be vital and incredibly present.” She then introduced Bowie’s dear friend Gary Oldman to accept the BRITs Icon Award on behalf of the late musician. Oldman when on to share a couple of personal anecdotes, praising Bowie’s talent, influence and his tremendous sense of humor. He then introduced the musical tribute that began with a medley of Bowie’s hits before Lorde joined for a heartfelt performance of “Life on Mars.”