Lily Allen and Lady Gaga were the surprise winner's at this year's Q Awards, as the magazine turned its back on the likes of Kings of Leon to reward female talent in two of the biggest categories.

Allen -- who recently said she was quitting music and imposing a self-enforced ban on using Twitter and Facebook -- beat the Arctic Monkeys 'Crying Lightning' and Kasabian's 'Fire' to take Best Track for her single 'The Fear.'

Lady Gaga, meanwhile, took Video of the Year for 'Just Dance.' Unlike Allen, she didn't turn up to the music magazine's bash in London to pick up her award.

The music monthly kept on the pop theme by giving its Classic Song award to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 1984 chart-topper 'Relax.'

Frontman Holly Johnson told BBC News, "Twenty-five years ago I came here to the Grosvenor House Hotel to accept the BBC Radio listeners' award for 'Relax,' even though they couldn't actually listen to the record.

"So I think it's quite interesting that the song has stood the test of time and is being honoured here today."

The song was banned by BBC's Radio 1 because of its sexual lyrics, but still managed to reach number one in 1984.

Other Eighties acts were also honoured at this year's awards.

Reformed ska legends the Specials were presented with the Q Inspiration award. Amy Winehouse was supposed to present it to them, but got "stuck in a lift" and turned up on stage too late to give them their prize.

Q Idol recipients this year were Spandau Ballet, the 1980s hitmakers who have also reunited and are currently on a European tour.