Inside Kylie Minogue’s blockbuster Las Vegas residency debut

For Kylie Minogue superfans, the chance to see their Australian idol in a intimately luxe 1000-seat venue Las Vegas venue is about to become reality.

Kylie Minogue hasn’t been able to get Las Vegas out of her head for years – and now she’s finally spinning around on the Strip.

The pop icon’s six-month residency starts on Saturday, capping a year in which she finally conquered the US with Padam Padam, the song of the summer that even had Vice President Kamala Harris dancing.

Kylie Minogue’s six-month residency starts on Saturday. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The highest-selling Australian solo artist of all time is the headline act to launch Voltaire, a 1000-seat venue at The Venetian Resort which award-winning production designer Derek McLane said will be far more intimate than Minogue’s stadium tours.

McLane, whose Broadway credits include Moulin Rouge and Grease, said fans should expect “the Las Vegas 1970s lounge of your imagination”.

“I’ve seen her rehearse in the space and she’s tremendous. She feels very comfortable in there,” he said.

“What a joy – she’s truly amazing.”

Leo Garza, from Mexico, was one of the lucky 1000 fans to secure an opening night ticket.

“I’ve seen her many times. I always travel to see her, crossing the Atlantic or anywhere I need to go,” the 45-year-old said.

“She’s always so sweet, kind, and she’s a great performer with an amazing Voice.”

But the Voltaire premiere will be the first live Minogue performance for Mel and Rob Clarke, who travelled from the UK having enjoyed her music for decades.

Voltaire, inside the Venetian Las Vegas, which was designed by Derek McLane. Supplied

Mr Clarke said it would be “a once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

Michael Fong, from Hawaii, said he had been trying to make it to a concert since seeing Minogue perform briefly at Sydney’s mardi gras in 1998.

“I can’t believe she’s in the US doing this residency,” the 56-year-old said.

Among the superfans flying in from overseas is Junior Barreto from Brazil, who said he was excited to see Minogue, having met his idol on a previous tour.

Baretto will be meeting up with friends flying in from France and Canada and has scored tickets to both Minogue’s opening weekend shows.

He said the club’s strict dress code meant fans couldn’t dress up as they normally would for a Kylie concert “but I’ll be wearing a kylie shirt for sure”.

David Jackson, 70, and Mark Samia, 45, travelled from Hawaii for the opening night of Minogue’s residency.

“We’re long time fans …. She’s one of the most fun pop stars,” Mr Samia said.

Mr Jackson added: “She has brought us so much joy through the decades.”

The Australian music legend put on a secret preview for friends and VIP guests earlier this week, with one attendee saying they were “blown away”.

“It’s Kylie like you’ve never seen her before,” they said.

Super fan, Junior Barreto, with Kylie Minogue. Picture: Instagram

Minogue, in an interview with Music Week, said she had been dreaming of a Las Vegas residency since her Showgirl tour in 2005 and her Aphrodite tour in 2011.

“Vegas seemed to be more for the twilight of one’s career, but in the interim it has had this rejuvenation,” the 55-year-old said.

“It’s pretty happening right now, so I thought it was a good time.”

Some fans have shelled out thousands of dollars for VIP tables – including bottle service and caviar – although McLane said it was designed “so that people will get up and dance”.

“It’s a very intimate feeling. It’s all upholstered furniture and banquettes, with little tables and different styles of seating. It has a very warm and inviting atmosphere,” he said.

Kylie Minogue performs on stage at BBC Radio 2 In The Park 2023 at Victoria Park. Photo: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Minogue is not expected to take the stage until 11pm (local time), with her performance followed by a late-night after-party at what Voltaire’s owners promise will be “an experience currently unmatched in Las Vegas”.

A limited number of extra tickets went on sale this week after the residency initially sold out within hours. Minogue is also set to headline Voltaire’s after-party for the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in Las Vegas in a fortnight.

Minogue released her 16th album Tension in September and it went straight to the top of the charts in Australia and the UK, as well as the Billboard dance chart in the US.