Janelle Monae is Billboard's latest Rising Star

Soul star Janelle Monae has been hailed as Billboard magazine's Rising Star for 2013.

The Tightrope hitmaker, who counts music icon Prince as one of her close pals and collaborators, will be feted at the Billboard Women in Music event in New York this December (13).

She says, "Being recognized for your hard work and passion is always humbling and encouraging. I feel honored Billboard has taken note of my journey in the music industry thus far.

"I hope by receiving this award I'm encouraging aspiring acts to stay true to their own artistic visions and never give up."

Monae follows in the footsteps of previous Rising Star recipients rapper Nicki Minaj and pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen, who took home the prize last year (12).

Meanwhile, Pink will also be celebrated at the Women in Music ceremony - she was recently named the recipient of Billboard's Woman of the Year accolade.