Jackson receives GLAAD Vanguard Award

Janet Jackson has been given the Vanguard accolade at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation [GLAAD] Awards.

The singer was awarded the gong by chatshow host Ellen DeGeneres at LA's Kodak Theatre on Sunday.

Speaking afterwards, Jackson said: "I love it. I never expected it in a million years so when I heard they wanted to honour me, I was really taken aback.

"It's just for the work that I've done with AIDS and acknowledging the gay and lesbian community through my music and so on. I'm just very appreciative."

Previous winners of the gong include Antonio Banderas, Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli and Charlize Theron.

Other winners at the ceremony were singer Rufus Wainwright and TV shows Ugly Betty and Brothers and Sisters.