Kylie Minogue live at the Royal Albert Hall: pop icon has us in the palm of her hand
At a one-off Royal Albert Hall show, Kylie shows why she still reigns supreme at the top of pop.
By Corin Baird
The Royal Albert Hall is a magical place and the brightest stars are out in force to celebrate another Audience with Kylie – and this one is so much bigger than her previous ‘audiences’ that ITV have gone and booked out one of London’s most iconic venues for the occasion. Nothing less than the pop icon deserves.
The opening visuals take us on a roller coaster journey through the star’s back catalogue that boasts five number 1 albums in the last five decades. This writer isn’t sure where she keeps the painting in her attic, but the antipodean pop princess has supersedes her legendary status with style, the moves and a voice that has not been touched by time.
We are treated to quite the set list as the singer joins us fresh from her Las Vegas residency at The Venetian that opens with recent album gems from Tension and progresses to the sensational Spinning Around. Minogue is joined by a gospel choir for a stunning rendition of ‘All The Lovers’ that elicits a more romantic mood when followed by a beautiful rendition of recent single ‘Hold On To Now’.
A costume change later and a touching moment where Minogue reminiscences with producer Pete Waterman, it’s back to where it all began as the singer delivers a stripped back take of ‘I Should Be So Lucky’, purred away whilst perched on a baby grand piano.
The crowd is brimming with talent, too. Comedian Tom Allen takes the mic and shares his thanks for Minogue’s enduring support and the love that she has shown all the colours of the LGBTQ+ community.
Renowned for her chatter on stage, we get a little more of an insight into the artist as she talks us through her influences, meeting Prince, playing on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury and ‘borrowing’ Charlene’s overalls when she left the show.
It doesn’t take much before the main stalls of the Royal Albert Hall have the likes of Matt and Emma Willis, Abbey Clancy, Billy Porter, Rylan, Carol Voderman, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr all doing the ‘Locomotion’ on stage. The power of Minogue’s endearing effervescent charm has everyone on their feet. Shamelessly indulging in high camp has always been one of Kylie’s greatest charms.
Next, Alison Hammond’s questioning leads to a dance-off with comedian Mawaan Rizwan and a perfect segue into the final costume change where Minogue is joined by a team of super-styled dancers in full red visor ensembles for the global hit Padam Padam. Next, ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ sounds out the fitting finale. A burst of confetti cannons confirms the fact: Kylie – we can’t get you out of our heads or our hearts!