Harry Styles thanks One Direction bandmates in his Brit Awards acceptance speech

Harry Styles paid tribute to his old One Direction bandmates while picking up the Brit Award for Best Artist.

The 29-year-old has been picking up awards like it's going out of fashion lately, but he hasn't forgotten where it all started for him.

Picking up his second award of the night, Styles said: "I want to thank my family for being the most supportive, understanding, patient, loving family I could have ever asked for.

"I want to thank my mum for signing me up for The X Factor without telling me, so I literally wouldn't be here without you.

"I want to thank Nile, Louis, Liam and Zayn because I wouldn't be here without you either. Thank you so much."

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The 'As It Was' singer also won the award for Best Pop/R&B act - which is voted for by the public via TikTok - continuing his success at the Grammys last week where he scooped Album of the Year.

After punching the air and taking to the stage, he thanked his fans and added: "I have so many wonderful memories at the Brits so thank you for another one. It is so good to be home."

Meanwhile, Aitch picked up the prize for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap act at the Brit Awards - and some people think he had a subtle pop at Styles during his acceptance speech.

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The Mancunian rapper beat off competition from Central Cee, Dave, Loyle Carner and Stormzy to win the award, and as he took to the stage, he lamented that he didn't have time to get a little more boozed up.

"Wow. I thought I'd have time to have a couple more drinks before I came up here," the 23-year-old said.

"I want to big up the fans for voting, of course, thank you very much."

But it was the next part of his speech that raised a few eyebrows.

He continued: "Not to get all cliché but I just want to say not many people where I'm from, especially my side of Manchester, get the opportunity to stand up here and receive such an amazing gift or award.

"That's the main reason I do it for, to set examples. It's possible no matter where you're from."

That might seem like a perfectly ordinary thing to say during an acceptance speech, but some viewers noticed similarities with Styles' speech at the Grammys.

Matt Crossick / Alamy Stock Photo

After winning the award for Best Album, Styles signed off his speech by saying: "I'm just so - this doesn't happen to people like me very often and this is so, so nice."

This closing line was criticised by some viewers, who questioned the validity of the statement.

One person tweeted: "'This doesn’t happen to people like me often’ who, white British men?

"Don't get me wrong I like harry styles I just don't know why he said that specifically? Lmfao."

Another added: "Harry Styles said 'this doesn’t happen to people like me very often' and I gotta be honest I can't think of a type of people this happens for more."

So, was Aitch referring to this backlash with his line 'not many people where I'm from, especially my side of Manchester'? I'll let you decide.