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Janet Jackson Hails Her Fortitude at Awards Show

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - And the award for strength and endurance goes to…Janet Jackson.

The R&B singer, whose “wardrobe malfunction” at the Super Bowl last month sent shockwaves through the nation, paid tribute to her special qualities on Saturday when she received a career achievement honor at the Soul Train Music Awards.

With her breasts safely ensconced in a white gown, the 37-year-old singer thanked her fans, without specifically mentioning the infamous fallout.

“You’ve been there for me during the good times as well as the bad, and you’ve lifted me up with your love. Your love and support has always been a great source of comfort, especially in these last few weeks.”

Her speech frequently punctuated by cheers of love and support from the audience, Jackson said she was “amazed” to have endured in show business for 30 years.

“That endurance is my heritage, as a woman, and especially a black woman,” she said. “I’m convinced that we black women possess a special, indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down but to get up, to get through and to get over.”

The onset of canned music prevented her from continuing at length, and she avoided reporters when she went backstage afterward ? surrounded by bodyguards ? to pose briefly for photographers.

Jackson’s prize ? the Quincy Jones Award for outstanding career achievement (female) ? forms part of her promotional duties for her new album, “Damita Jo,” which is set for U.S. release March 30, and internationally the day before.

The winner of the corresponding male prize was similarly controversial: R&B singer R. Kelly, who faces child pornography charges in his home state of Illinois. He, too, has a new album coming out, and also dodged reporters. Kelly also won a prize in the main competition with his “Chocolate Factory” CD being named best male R&B/soul album.

The big winner of the night was hip-hop duo OutKast, which received two prizes, R&B/soul/rap album of the year for its Grammy-winning opus “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,” and the video prize for its infectious dance anthem “Hey Ya!”

Destiny’s Child frontwoman Beyonce Knowles, who had led the nominees with nods in four competitive categories, won a single award. Her solo debut “Dangerously in Love” was named best female R&B/soul album.

OutKast and Knowles additionally took home Sammy Davis Jr. awards for entertainer of the year. As with the Quincy Jones prizes, these had been previously announced.

The 18th annual ceremony, which took place at the International Cultural Center, was broadcast live in syndication.