Shania Twain will be honoured with the Icon award at Billboard's 11th annual Women in Music awards in December.

The award celebrates an artist whose historic contributions to the music industry establish them among the highest class of performers.

"Shania Twain is a groundbreaking artist whose successful country-pop crossover blazed the trail for a new generation of country stars like Taylor Swift, Billboard's 2014 Woman of the Year, and Carrie Underwood," said Janice Min, president and chief creative officer of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group in a statement.

"She's fearless in her career, following her own path and pushing the boundaries of the country music genre as she creates music that has proven to be timeless. She is revered in the industry and we are honoured to present the Icon award to her."

The event will be held December 9 in New York and air nationally on the Lifetime network December 12.

Halsey will receive the Rising Star award and Madonna will be honoured as Woman of the Year.