Kylie Minogue has been awarded a Knighthood in France. The superstar singer was pronounced a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters on Monday, for her contribution to “the enrichment of French culture”. Accepting the award from France’s minister of culture Christine Albanel, the pop singer said in French, “This is an exceptional moment for me.” She added in English, “I fell in love, and it’s a love affair that continues to blossom like an eternal spring. I am deeply honoured to be recognised in this way. French culture has influenced me greatly and I have always had colossal respect for the arts and people of France.” Albanel described 39-year-old Kylie as, “A Midas of the international music scene, who turns everything she touches into gold.”

She also praised the singer for her courage during her battle with breast cancer. Australian-born Kylie joins Bob Dylan, T.S. Eliot, Ella Fitzgerald, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood and Bruce Willis in being given the Knighthood. Last year, Kylie was made an officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE). The star’s “KylieX2008” European tour kicked off in Paris recently.