Kylie receives top music honour

The Australian singer was presented with the Music Industry Trust prize for her 20-year career and status as an "icon of pop and style".

Past winners of the award, which raises money for music charities, include Sir Elton John and Peter Gabriel.

Minogue, 39, called it an "incredible honour". "I am truly thrilled to be recognised in this way," she said.

It is the first time in the event's 16-year history that the award has gone to a woman.

'Glamorous'

Minogue, who releases a new album next month, beat breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2005.

She closed the ceremony with a performance of her first UK hit, I Should Be So Lucky, accompanied on piano by Jamie Cullum.

Award committee chairman David Munn said: "There is no doubt that of our 15 award recipients to date, Kylie is by far the most glamorous.

"She deserves this award for her success over 20 years, staying at the top in one of the toughest professions and inspiring millions with her grace, dignity and humanity," he said.

In a video message played during the ceremony, Sting told her: "I have a great deal of respect for you as an artist.

"And, like most men on the planet, I'm certainly not immune to your iconic beauty - but more than this, you have become a symbol of courage and of grace under pressure."

'Triumphant artist'

X Factor judge Dannii Minogue also paid tribute to her sister.

"I am so proud of you. It's been an amazing journey and there's still so much more to come. It's been great to be there from the beginning," she said.

Fellow Australian Barry Humphries, who created Dame Edna, said in his message: "Kylie, you are a triumphant artist.

"You've managed to have this tremendous career which goes on and on, and which began with Neighbours - my friend Dame Edna always wanted to be in that show."

Minogue will soon be seen in an hour-long special on ITV1 as well as the Doctor Who Christmas special.

Earlier this month she picked up the Idol accolade at the Q Awards for a career spanning three decades and more than 40 million global album sales.

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