Kylie hits back at critics

Kylie Minogue has taken a swipe at critics from early on in her singing career as she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Minogue was famously dubbed a 'singing budgie' almost 25 years ago, when she first launched her music career on the back of her popularity on Neighbours.

On Sunday night she held back tears as she accepted the ARIA from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and later joked that only now was she fully recognised by the Australian music industry.

"To finally be here and be acknowledged is very nice," Minogue told reporters backstage.

"Let's just say it's very nice when you have it and it's not very nice when you don't.

"It's not something I've strived specifically to get but I think it just comes with time and I understand that when I started I had to earn my stripes.

"But I think I've got them now."

Such words may sound ridiculous for the popstar, so popular she is recognisable only by her first name, has sold over 68 million records and received 16 ARIA awards.