France gives top cultural honour to Kylie Minogue

France has awarded Kylie Minogue its highest cultural honour in a Paris ceremony ...
Christine Albanel today gave Minogue, who kicks off a European concert tour in Paris tomorrow, the Order of Arts and Letters
How does an English Language pop singer get such an award from France?

Is it for the singing or the lingerie line?

And is it really the highest award too?

Must be a drought in fashion and music in France.