British singer Adele had the tabloid press up in arms and TV executives running for cover yesterday over a middle-finger gesture after her moment in the sun at British pop's biggest awards was cut short for programming reasons.

The 23-year-old was midway through a brief acceptance speech at the packed O2 Arena in her native London after picking up the big prize - best British album for her chart-conquering 21.

But because the show was running late, and was being broadcast live on ITV, presenter James Corden stepped in to cut Adele short, prompting the "one-finger salute".

The Sun newspaper, Britain's best-selling daily, had a picture of the gesture on its front page above the headline "Someone dislikes you", a reference to her hit Someone Like You.

The rival Mirror featured a similar image accompanied by the words "Adele: Go to hell!"

Speaking backstage after the two-hour show, Adele said she was upset by the interruption.

"I flipped the finger but it wasn't to my fans," she told the Sun. "I'm sorry if I offended anyone; it was the suits that offended me."

The incident comes just a couple of weeks after US TV network NBC and the NFL apologised for an offensive finger gesture made by British rapper MIA during singer Madonna's televised show at the Super Bowl.

Both ITV and the Brit Awards issued apologies following the show.

Fresh from her six-Grammy haul and a return to live performing after surgery on her vocal cords last year, Adele bagged two Brits - best British female solo act and best British album.

"Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys, then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year," she said to loud cheers.

"I'm so proud to be British and to be flying the flag and I'm so proud to be in the room with all of you." At that point she was cut short, prompting boos in the crowd.

Some music critics felt the night was more about "suits" - corporate executives focusing on record sales and viewing figures - than rock and roll.