23 Kylie Minogue facts every fan should know
All these facts have got us Spinning Around!
Kylie Minogue has been a music icon since the 80s and despite not technically being a Brit, we've adopted her as one of our own. After the release of her Grammy Award-winning comeback single 'Padam Padam' and her album 'Tension', her Las Vegas residency is now underway. Kylie has also been announced to narrate an episode of a Bluey spin-off, and she's the recipient of a BRITs Global Icon Award in 2024, where she gave a fantastic performance. If that wasn't enough, she's released a song with 'Sia' called 'Dance Alone', and performed on stage with Madonna!
With millions of fans around the world, and so much media coverage of the singer over the years, it can feel like you already know everything there is to know about Ms. Minogue, but she's full of surprises! In honour of the pop princess, we've compiled some of our favourite Kylie facts...
1. 'Locomotion' was the biggest selling single of the 80s in Oz!
Kylie Minogue released 'The Locomotion' as her first single in Australia and it stayed at Number 1 for a total of seven weeks. At the end of the decade, someone did the maths and it ended up being the biggest selling single of the 1980s in Oz. Who doesn't love a bit of 'The Loco-Motion'?
WATCH: Kylie Minogue - 'The Loco-Motion' - Official Video
2. 'I Should Be So Lucky' was written in just 40 minutes
It's one of the most catchy songs of all time - and it was complied in just over half an hour. Kylie flew to the UK to meet music gurus Stock, Aitkin and Waterman, and the story goes that they forgot Kylie was coming, had nothing prepared for her to test out and whacked up 'I Should Be So Lucky' while they were waiting for her to arrive at the meeting.
WATCH: Kylie Minogue - 'I Should Be So Lucky'
3. Kylie is set to appear digitally in a jukebox musical named after the song
That's right! In July 2023, it was announced that new show I Should Be So Lucky will feature songs by Hit Factory AND star Kylie Minogue digitally in the production.
She said of being involved: "I’m thrilled to announce that I will be joining Stock Aitken Waterman in presenting the new musical, 'I Should Be So Lucky'! It is the music that inspired a generation (plus my first five albums!) so to have all the SAW hits in this original story will make for a compelling, funny and heartfelt show. Let’s enjoy the magic all over again!"
4. Her Glastonbury performance is the festival's most watched ever
Kylie was heartbroken when she had to cancel her Glastonbury performance in 2005 due to her breast cancer diagnosis. 14 years later, she got to fulfil her dream and performed on the Pyramid stage of the iconic British music festival. Not only that but her set became the most viewed ever with millions taking to their TV screens in 2019 to watch the 'Confide In Me' singer do her thing.
WATCH: Kylie Minogue - 'Love at First Sight' (Glastonbury 2019)
5. 'Spinning Around' wasn't written for Kylie...
Those hot pants - how could anyone forget! But 'Spinning Around' wasn't initially supposed to be a Kylie song. Any ideas who it was meant for? Well, you'll be surprised to know that Paula Abdul co-wrote the song and it was supposed to be her comeback single! After the album it would have featured on didn't materialise, it was handed over to Kylie.
6. Kylie was in Doctor Who
Back in 2007, Kylie Minogue played Astrid Peth in Doctor Who in an episode called 'Voyage Of The Dammed'. Her character was a waitress on board a space Titanic.
At the time, Kylie said: "It's an incredible thrill to be joining David (Tennant) and the entire Doctor Who production for this year's Christmas special. Doctor Who enjoys a unique history and it is going to be very exciting to be part of that."
In an interview in September 2023, Kylie admitted she wouldn't mind reprising her role. Describing the experience as "amazing to be in such a beloved show", alongside David Tennant, Kylie hinted that she wouldn't be adverse to returning to the TV. She told our sister station Hits Radio: "I wouldn't mind if Astrid Peth came back," before whispering: "Just saying!"
7. Kylie starred in an advert to help promote Australian tourism
Proud of her native home, Kylie and The Last Leg host Adam Hills teamed up with Tourism Australia in 2019 in a three-minute musical advert that broadcast just before the Queen's Christmas speech. It's just a shame that three months later we couldn't go anywhere for 18 months!
8. Kylie Minogue has an honorary doctorate
In 2011, Kylie Minogue received an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University in a ceremony in Chelmsford, Essex. Kylie received the doctorate in Health Sciences, reflecting her work to promote breast cancer after going through it herself.
Her citation at the time read: "Here at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford scientists in the research laboratory for The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity are currently researching blood markers that in the future might be used to identify breast cancer at an early stage. Kylie's story will serve as an inspiration to everyone involved in this work.
"Anglia Ruskin University is proud to honour her today for her amazing career as pop singer, songwriter and actress, and for her support for promoting awareness and removing the fear of breast cancer."
9. Kylie Minogue also has an OBE
Before her honorary doctorate, Kylie received an OBE from Prince Charles in 2008 for her services to music. Kylie took her mum and dad along to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace and wore an incredible white silk YSL dress with glittery stars.
10. Madame Tussauds have no less than four Kylie waxworks
Well... She is the Queen of Pop!
11. Michael Hutchence wrote a song about Kylie
Kylie dated the late Michael Hutchence for two years and she was the inspiration behind the INXS song 'Suicide Blonde'. When Kylie dyed her short hair for a role, she told her then-boyfriend that she was going "suicide blonde" and Michael took the phrase and turned it into a song.
WATCH: INXS - 'Suicide Blonde'
12. She was great friends with the fashion designer Jean Paul Gautier
Kylie is known as a style icon but her looks are not without an entire team behind her. Kylie forged a friendship with fashion designer Jean Paul Gautier in the early days of her career and the pair worked together on so many of her iconic looks and tour costumes.
13. Kylie has a brother
We all know about Kylie's sister Dannii Minogue but did you know she has a brother? Preferring to work behind the lens, Brendan is a news cameraman in Australia.
14. What star sign is Kylie?
Kylie Minogue was born on the 28th May 1968, making her currently 55-years-old and a Gemini.
15. She's collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry
Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are one of the most well-known duos in pop culture but it's not just 'Especially For You' that has seen Kylie share the vocals - she's also dueted and performed with some seriously big names.
Rumoured to be dating once upon a time, Kylie Minogue colloborated with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on the song 'Where The Wild Roses Grow'. Kylie also teamed up with Enrique Iglesias for 'Beautiful', sang with Nile Rogers and Jake Shears on 'The Other Boys', released 'Music's Too Sad Without You' with Jack Savoretti and also sang with the likes of Taio Cruz, Shaggy and Sam Sparro.
A remix of her single, 'Real Groove' with Dua Lipa was released in December 2020 following the pair performing together during the Studio 2054 livestream.
More recently, Kylie released her song 'A Second To Midnight' with Years & Years in October 2021, and later released 'Kiss Of Life' with Jessie Ware in November 2021.
But one of the best Kylie duets? Kylie and Robbie Williams with the song 2000 'Kids'.
WATCH: Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue - 'Kids' official video
16. There's a Kylie Minogue bedding range
Kylie Minogue has turned her hand to interior design and it's proven hugely popular. As well as Kylie Minogue bedding- think soft grey fabrics, velvet touches and a bit of glitz- you can also jazz up your home with Kylie Minogue curtains, cushions and wallpaper.
17. Her name has an interesting Aboriginal meaning...
What do you think when you think of 'Kylie'? Beautiful? Glam? Kind? While they're all good words to describe Kylie, her name actually means boomerang in the Aboriginal language!
18. Kylie returned to Neighbours
Kylie starred as Charlene Mitchell in the Australian soap in the 80s which launched her career and made her a household name. Following the sad news that the show was being axed after 37 years, it was only right that Kylie returned to her roots.
She appeared in the final episode with her on-screen husband Scott Robinson played by former real-life flame Jason Donovan. In their original run on the show, the episode with Charlene and Scott's wedding was one of the most-watched TV moments of the decade with more than 20 million people tuning in to watch across Australia and the UK.
Speaking about being back on Neighbours, Kylie said: "It was lovely and emotional. Driving into Ramsay Street was quite something."
19. She's landed a residency in Las Vegas
On 28th July, Kylie announced she'd landed her very own residency at the Voltaire nightclub at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
20. Kylie won a Grammy Award in 2024
Kylie's huge track 'Padam Padam' won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording. The win was 20 years after she won the Best Dance Recording accolade in 2004 for 'Come into My World'.
21. Kylie won the BRITs Global Icon Award in 2024
Kylie picked up the Global Icon Award at The BRIT Awards 2024. The award was in recognition of her career spanning across five decades as one of the world’s most successful and iconic music stars. The singer is the only female artist to have a Number 1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK.
22. Kylie has her own Barbie
In March 2024, Kylie was honoured with her own Barbie to celebrate International Women's Day and Barbie's 65th anniversary. Kylie's Barbie is kitted out in her 'Padam Padam' outfit.
23. Kylie performed on stage with Madonna
Not only did Kylie join Madonna on stage during her 'Celebration' tour, she also wore a top with Madonna's name on it. This was reminiscent of the iconic top Madonna worn back in 2000 to perform at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Stockholm in Sweden.
Why not add a Kylie number to your karaoke list?
1) Queen - 'Don't Stop Me Now'
This is probably the most challenging tune on the list, simply because of Freddie Mercury's falsetto at the beginning. We know you can do it, though - believe in yourself and channel your inner Queen!
Watch the YouTube video here!
2) Rick Astley - 'Never Gonna Give You Up'
Magic Radio fave Rick Astley dropped by the Magic Breakfast Show to give an exclusive performance to celebrate our 100% Christmas Live session. This song is one of the most beloved songs in the entire world, so we couldn't exactly leave it off! The words are easy to remember, and it's not too high or too low! You can count on Rick.
Watch his exclusive performance here!
3) Journey - 'Don't Stop Believin''
No matter how much you're freaking out over the idea of being onstage, you can guarantee your nerves will disappear as soon as your hear the first line 'JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL!'
Listen to the song here on YouTube!
4) Neil Diamond - 'Sweet Caroline'
Who doesn't love a bit of the Diamond? 'Sweet Caroline' is a guaranteed hit on a karaoke Friday night.
Listen to the song here on YouTube!
5) Bon Jovi - 'Livin' On A Prayer'
Just keep that 'woah woah woah' going, and you'll be grand.
Listen to the song here on YouTube!
6) ABBA - 'Waterloo'
It wouldn't be a real karaoke night if no-one sang an ABBA song. 'Waterloo' has to be the surest bet here – catchy, fun and a real foot-tapper.
7) Billy Joel - 'Uptown Girl'
Everyone loves 'Uptown Girl'! It reminds us of those old 'NOW' compilation CDs we used to get for Christmas. Bring this out at karaoke and everyone will love you.
Watch the YouTube video here!
8) Robbie Williams - 'Angels'
Even Robbie Williams can't manage to sing 'Angels' live anymore without everyone singing (sometimes shouting) along from the beginning! It's no surprise though... You can't get better than this crowd-pleaser.
Watch the YouTube video here!
9) Mark Ronson - 'Valerie' ft. Amy Winehouse
'Valerie' is a perfect singalong choice! Even if you do get lost, the audience are guaranteed to be singing along with you anyway. No-one will ever notice...
Watch the YouTube video here!
10) Cyndi Lauper - 'Time After Time'
Everyone loves a bit of Cyndi. 'Time After Time' is such a classic tune – and also not one that everybody will pick! Originality is key at a karaoke night.
Watch the YouTube video here!
11) Kylie Minogue - 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head'
It doesn't get much easier than Kylie Minogue's 'la la la, la la la la la, la la la'.
Check out Kylie's live performance at Magic Radio Presents here!
Watch the YouTube video here!
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