R Kelly denies charges of child pornography

Jackson, whose breast-baring episode at the US Super Bowl in February caused national outrage, won an award for outstanding career achievement.

Jackson thanked fans for being there "during the good times, as well as bad... especially these last few weeks."

The corresponding male winner was R Kelly, who faces child pornography charges in his home state of Illinois.

Singer's controversy

Singer R Kelly, who also won best R&B/soul album by a male, has seen his career continue to soar despite being dogged by controversy.

Last week the state of Florida dropped 12 charges of child pornography against the singer, after the judge ruled that photographs seized from Kelly's home were taken illegally.

However, he still faces 14 charges of child pornography in the state of Illinois, stemming from a video of him allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He denies all charges against him.

Speakerboxx topped a poll of US critics' favourite album in 2003

Hip-hop duo OutKast led the winners at the Soul Train Awards, winning R&B/soul or rap album of the year for Speakerboxx/The Love Below and the video prize for their dance track Hey Ya!.

The awards celebrate artists in R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel music.

OutKast also took home the Sammy Davis Jr award for entertainer of the year, an honour they shared with Destiny's Child star Beyonce Knowles.