Kylie Minogue in Singapore, 2016. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Singapore GP via Getty Images.

Australian music icons, Olivia Newton-John and Kylie Minogue are among the high-powered women recognised in the 2019 Australia Day honours list. The list also includes actress and political activist, Magda Szubanski, swimmer, Ian Thorpe, pop group, Human Nature along with a whole cast of local heroes. 

Both Kylie and Olivia have been recognised for their achievements in music as well as their service to community health, particularly for people living with cancer.

Four-time Grammy winner and Grease star, Olivia Newton-John received the nation's top honour for her service through the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, as well as her illustrious music and acting career. In a statement from the United States (where she lives), she said the award was an honour:

"I am delighted and honoured to receive this very distinguished and special award," she said.

"To be presented with this esteemed recognition by the Governor-General fills me with gratitude and pride to be Australian."

Fellow ARIA Hall of Fame inductee and cancer survivor, Kylie Minogue, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to the performing arts.

With a string of hits, such as “Can't Get You Out Of My Head” and “Spinning Around”, Kylie Minogue has been an internationally celebrated superstar since the 1980s. She has also been recognised for her charitable service to a number of organisations, including as the founder of One Note Against Cancer.

Her achievements over the years include being inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and winning two Logies.

For a refresher course on the classic Kylie hits we know, love and have now officially honoured nationally, check out our I Like: Kylie Minogue playlist!