Times change but Kylie Minogue still stars with WorldPride
The highest selling Australian-born female artist of all time on her close relationship with the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Sydney’s 45th Mardi Gras Parade.
It was in 1994 that Kylie Minogue first performed at Sydney’s Mardi Gras, strutting out on stage to thousands of screaming fans, wearing a burlesque-style pink tutu, surrounded by dancers and after last-minute lighting woes almost derailed the whole thing.
Almost 30 years later, the Australian superstar is headlining the opening sold-out concert of WorldPride and the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade in the Domain on Friday in front of 20,000 people and also being broadcast across the nation via the ABC.
And it is not lost on the pop star how much has shifted in that time for the LGBTQ+ community.
“The biggest change has to be visibility,” Minogue told The Australian after landing in Sydney in preparation for the show.
“What began as a protest and a street march by a few hundred people in Taylor Square has become this elevated, celebrated and international event.
“Whilst it celebrates change, it honours those who have paved the way and shines a light on, and for, the community at large.”
Minogue said she had loved performing at Mardi Gras over the years and was looking forward to the concert on Friday.
She described her close relationship with the LGBTQ+ community as one that had acceptance, love and support at its core. “I’m most excited about the atmosphere,” the singer said.
“Having first performed at the Sydney Mardi Gras in 1994, I know the energy and emotion within the crowd really is one of a kind. It’s such a communal and immersive experience and I can’t wait to be part of it again this year.”
Her life has also changed since the 1994 Mardi Gras when she performed the song What Do I Have To Do? from her third album, 1990’s Rhythm of Love.
She went on to sell more than 80 million records – and counting – worldwide and to become the highest-selling Australian-born female artist of all time.
Minogue was also awarded an AO and OBE, and has even started her own wine label.
She is currently recording her 16th studio album, due to be released later this year, and has loved being back in the studio.
“I can’t say too much about it as it is under wraps and isn’t finished yet, but the process has been so rewarding,” Minogue said.
“As with every album, riding the creative wave is never straightforward, but I have loved this past year and a half working on music. Creative expression is such a wonderland, and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity once again,” she said.
The singer – who announced in 2021 that she was moving home to Melbourne after 30 years in London – said the success of Kylie Minogue Wines had been overwhelming.
According to reports, there were more than seven million bottles sold around the world in 2022.
“I lucked out in meeting a like-minded partner in Paul Schaafsma of Benchmark Drinks,” Minogue said.
“We understood very quickly that we were on the same page regarding quality, elegance and finesse. Then we set to create wines that were able to surprise and satisfy.”
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