'Marilyn' Minogue storms the Q awards with new curvy look

Her win was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd of celebrities at London's Grosvenor House hotel

Amy Winehouse and Sir Paul McCartney were also among the winners.

Her win was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd of celebrities at London's Grosvenor House hotel.

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Kylie Minogue's new hairstyle is reminiscent of screen icon Marilyn Monroe

And she joked: "I would like to thank those of you who continued to support me - including my dress."

The 39-year-old singer is working on a new album after winning her battle with breast cancer.

This was her first appearance at an awards ceremony since returning to the limelight.

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Kylie used to look to Madonna for inspiration, but now it looks like she's turned her attention to the original blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe

"It's my first day back at work like this so it's very exciting and slightly nerve-wracking," she admitted as she arrived.

Of her Q Idol award, she told the audience: "Just don't ask me what it means, but I'm very grateful and honoured to be receiving this."

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Kylie Minogue was honoured as a music idol at the Q Awards last night

The Q Awards might have honoured Kylie, but she was obviously not so well admired by former Stone Roses singer Ian Brown, as he launched into a stinging tirade against the Australian.

Speaking at the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, the Mancunian singer said Kylie's music was "rubbish" and "for little kids".

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Sir Paul McCartney thanked his late wife Linda on receiving his Q Idol award

He told the BBC Radio Five Live: "I don't know what Kylie's doing at a music awards to be honest."

I don't think she's cute. I don't think she's good-looking. Her music's rubbish - she makes music for little kids.

"I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm putting her down, but there's a lot of great minds out there making music and she's not one of them."

The other big winner was McCartney, who was honoured with a Q Icon award.

The former Beatle received a huge cheer from the audience as he paid tribute to late wife Linda.

"I thank Linda for seeing me through some real tough periods," he said.

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Rock band Muse were voted 'Best Live Act' at the awards

Sugababes Heidi and Amelle (left) and Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall also attended the bash

He also thanked his former Beatle band-mates and his "fantastic, beautiful" children. There was no mention of his estranged wife Heather Mills.

And Winehouse beat the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and Manic Street Preachers to win Best Album for Back To Black - but failed to turn up to collect it.

Jonathan Ross hosted the awards and threw in some typically risque jokes.

"The Spice Girls are reforming - in the same way they reform meat into nuggets," he said.

"God bless them, they're going to be reforming under the name Atomic Mutton."

Ross also cracked a joke at the expense of troubled singer Amy Winehouse.

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Kate Nash scooped the Best Breakthrough Artist award (left) while no-show Amy Winehouse's Back to Black was voted Best Album

"I'm a bit annoyed with her because I have 3/1 at Ladbrokes on a double with Pavarotti," he quipped.

The magazine's editor, Paul Rees, said: "This year, as ever, the Q Awards celebrate and herald great music of all genres and era - from the best in new music to rock's legendary elite.

"And, at a time when the digital revolution has prompted many to predict the demise of the music business itself, this year the awards also demonstrate that great music and outstanding artists will continue to flourish and inspire, no matter how or where people choose to listen to them."

The annual ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House hotel in London's Park Lane. Other winners included Best Breakthrough Artist for singer-songwriter Kate Nash, Best Act In The World Today for Arctic Monkeys, the Q Legend award for Ian Brown and the Q Lifetime Achievement honour for ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr.

Manchester music legend Anthony Wilson, who died from cancer in August aged 57, was honoured with the Q Hero award.

It was accepted by his children, Oliver and Isobel.