Kylie Minogue Honoured

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue received the Excellence in Entertainment award at the annual G'Day LA: Australia Week gala Saturday night in Los Angeles.

"To be considered an Australian who is doing well and who they're pleased to have represent them around the world. It's amazing," Minogue told AP Television News.

Sharing the night's recognition was Australian director Phillip Noyce (Clear and Present Danger) receiving the Excellence in Film award from Harrison Ford.

"Well Harrison is one of the icons of contemporary well cinema," noted Noyce. "We are going to see him again next summer in Indiana Jones. It's a great honour to be honoured by an icon."

Dozens of Minogue and Noyce's fellow Australians attended the event, held in a ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland complex. Among them: Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Melissa George, Terri and Bindi Irwin -- all fans of the night's honouree.

Presenting Minogue's award was John Travolta from her favourite film, Grease. Although Newton-John performed, Travolta was quick to clarify he would not be part of the act. "No, I am not rehearsed. Now if I was rehearsed I would do it, but I didn't have the chance to rehearse so I think it will just be Olivia entertaining all of us."

Newton-John who is also an award recipient said, "I think Kylie who is being honoured tonight has done so much for pop music without being Aussie. She's just in love with pop music. She is beautiful and she's creative. She's been through a lot with dignity and grace and she's an international star. I think she's wonderful."

This marked the fifth time the gala was held in Hollywood as part of the Australia Week festival - a promotion for Australian tourism.

Via ndtvmusic.com