Kylie, as far as I'm concerned you're an artist and you can do whatever you like

Brian May

Speaking at the Capital FM Awards, Minogue said: "Her PRs have pushed her in the wrong direction and she is being misguided.

"Britney's been in the business a long time and she should know the ropes by now."

But Minogue was in for some stick herself as Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones took a swipe at the former Neighbours actress for being an ex-soap star and not an artist.

The Welshman was speaking after Minogue picked up best international female and best international single for Can't Get You Out of My Head at the London awards.

Britney Spears has been receiving negative publicity

Jones said: "I think the country's gone a little bit mad about what's a celebrity and what's an artist.

"I hope our kids realise the difference. You're only as good as your last record - and Kylie, you'll always be Charlene to me, love."

Jones made the comment when Minogue had left the ceremony to conduct a television interview.

'Zoo animals'

But Queen guitarist Brian May leapt to her defence as he picked up an award for his band's contribution to music.

He said: "Most people in this room get ****** off with being celebrities - it's rather like being zoo animals.

"Kylie, as far as I'm concerned you're an artist and you can do whatever you like."

Brian May and Roger Taylor picked up an outstanding contribution award for Queen

Minogue was joined on the winners rostrum by Dido for best British female and Robbie Williams for best British male.

Williams took the opportunity to hit out at Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

In a recorded acceptance speech he had Gareth scrawled on his forehead while singing Spears' hit I'm a Slave 4 U, suggesting Gates was nothing more than a record company puppet.

Boy band Blue picked up three awards, winning best pop act, best newcomer and best single for If You Come Back.