Volume #20 | Kylie Minogue, I just can’t get you out of my head.
A reflection on my first Kylie concert.
The stars came up and filled up the sky at my first Kylie Minogue concert.
We all have that one friend whose obsession with a singer lasts a lifetime.
I recently arrived at Adelaide Entertainment Centre to watch Kylie Minogue perform for the first time in my life, and I knew exactly which fanatical friend I was going to run into. Unlike me, this would not be their first Kylie concert. In fact, it was their tenth.
Obsessions like these don’t come and go. A true, die-hard “Lover” is someone dedicated to all things Kylie. Every decade, every album, every tour.
For me, Kylie has been part of the furniture for as long as I can remember. Whether it was watching her perform alongside her sister Dannii Minogue on Australian TV’s Young Talent Time, or when she became the most popular television actress in her role as Charlene on Neighbours. Kylie was infectious from the beginning.
Off the back of her TV stardom, Kylie’s career in music kicked off with pop hits “Loco-motion”, “Hand On Your Heart”, “Better The Devil You Know” and “Step Back In Time”. These are songs that are deeply embedded in my memory bank, together with her big 80’s hair and fashion. As I grew up, she kept making music and evolving. “Fever”, the album released in 2001, is the music that reminds me of my transition from primary school to high school. She was the role model that was always relevant, always right there.
But I’ll admit, a flicker of doubt entered my mind before seeing Kylie on her recent Australian tour. Even though she is no stranger to the stage, I had drastic expectations that she was as good as ever. I was longing for the pleasure of experiencing what others have so often raved about.
I worried she’d only showcase her recent work, leaving her iconic “Spinning Around” gold short shorts and her queen of pop dance moves behind. I didn’t want to walk away regretting that my younger self hadn’t seen Kylie on her Showgirl Tour twenty years ago.
I've had high hopes for artists before, only to be left disappointed. In 2022, I had an amazing opportunity to see Tina Arena live in an intimate, surprise late-night setting. She took to the stage in a glistening gold frock, singing Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love”. All eyes were on her. It was magic, she transcended the audience into another world and made me fall in love with that track. Once she finished, everyone started chanting “Chains! Chains! Chains!”
She left the stage. She left without singing “Chains”. Her anthem. Her song *my song* An Australian icon in itself. From that moment on, my admiration for her never fully recovered. Those that know me well, understand that I’ve always loved Tina Arena’s music. Don’t get me wrong, every artist is entitled to make their own performance decisions. Selfishly, I wanted that moment for all of us that night. What felt like the highest of highs quickly unravelled into a crushing letdown. Two days after her gig, I learned that she had caught COVID-19, so there’s every chance she simply wasn’t up for singing that song.
When it comes to live music, unfortunately it isn’t uncommon to feel let down as an audience member. When the artist doesn’t sing your favourite song or their biggest hit. When they sound terrible live. Or when you left it too late to buy tickets. When you’re not at that concert but it seems everyone else you know is. When one of your favourite singers dies before you get to see them live - now that really hurts.
Then there’s Kylie, and the only regret I have is doubting her in the first place.
It truly was the perfect performance where I felt the euphoria of her entertaining prowess right in front of my own eyes. Kylie nailed it.
She produced a seamless performance that celebrated her beloved classics and established her freshest hits. Kylie took all the lovers on the journey of her life’s work and it was nothing short of heartfelt and spectacular. With extravagant visuals and high-energy, song after song, Kylie lifted. The audience were mesmerised and enjoying every moment, bouncing out of our seats to sing and dance along.
I was completely in awe of her vocal. Immaculate and effortless. A range that had my jaw on the floor. What also stood out was the way her songs echo throughout generations. It was obvious that mothers were there with their daughters, husbands were there with their husbands. Doesn’t that say something about the power of music and the way it transcends? Not many artists can connect with a diverse audience in the way that Kylie does. It felt great to lap this up with my Mum and Sister.
It was such a pleasure to see this show and experience Kylie live. Her stellar vocal performance, her pocket-rocket stage presence and her absolute authenticity left me wanting more, more, more.
The Tension Tour is a career-defining concert that embeds Kylie’s music legacy as Australia’s greatest pop artist, ever.
Build this woman a statue.
Thank You, Kylie.
P.S. If you didn’t see Kylie’s Tension Tour in Australia, I apologise if this reflection has caused you immense FOMO. She’s taken her tour overseas and it is selling out quickly. Link below. Buy the tickets, life’s too short.
