Back to back for fans as Bono helps Kylie

IT'S always great when you can call on a mate at short notice to help you out. But when your name is Kylie and your mate's name is Bono, it's even better for your 10,000 screaming fans.

IT'S always great when you can call on a mate at short notice to help you out. But when your name is Kylie and your mate's name is Bono, it's even better for your 10,000 screaming fans.

With the pop princess having re-launched her Showgirl Tour in Sydney on the weekend, and with U2 also in town to play three sell-out shows, the timing was perfect.

Bono, having captivated 70,000 fans on Saturday night, had last night free. So when his old friend Kylie called him yesterday morning to ask him if he wanted some more Sydney adulation, the Irish frontman was only too happy to help.

There was no rehearsal; a brief chat in the dressing room before the show was all the superstar couplet needed.

Having warmed up the crowd with a few of her hits, Kylie, wearing a leopard-print cat suit, asked concertgoers to their feet. She had a surprise for them, she said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the company of greatness tonight. Let me hear it for Bono."

A momentary stunned silence quickly gave way to wild cheering as Bono, wearing a black suit and his trademark sunglasses, made his way down a staircase at the back of the stage.

"It's such an honour for you to sing with me," Kylie said.

"You're perfect", replied Bono, before the pair -- who have been friends for several years -- performed Kids, the duet Kylie recorded with pop star Robbie Williams.

While it can safely be assumed that Bono has never previously attempted the song in public, last night he didn't miss a beat, or a word.

After being seductively led around the stage by Kylie throughout the three-minute performance, Bono got down on his knees, kissed her hand and thanked her. She replied with a mock 'I'm not worthy' bowing routine -- with many in the audience joining in -- and he was gone.