9 Reasons Why Americans Should Get On Board With Kylie Minogue
More than any other female pop act, Kylie Minogue has perhaps the greatest cultural disparity between the United States and — well — literally the rest of our planet. What gives? With only one U.S. Billboard top 10 album to her name (out of 12), Minogue's foray into the American pop scene has been lukewarm at best...despite having all the equipment. We blame the ageist bulls—t women face in the industry, but that's a rant for later.
With catchy songs, an awe-inspiring performance style, and a personality that radiates GD sunshine, Minogue is the pop star we stateside folk are letting slip through the cracks. This has to end now! In honor of her birthday, check out nine reasons why all pop lovers need to let Minogue come into their worlds.
You already know (and love) her biggest hits.
Were you a fan of pop radio in the early 2000s? If so, you more than likely heard Minogue's two largest U.S. songs to date: "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and "Love at First Sight." The former's throbbing, "La, la, la" bridge was practically the soundtrack to fall 2001, and the latter's effervescent beat was no doubt your summer 2002 anthem. If these tickle your fancy, then we guarantee you'll adore the rest of Minogue's catalog. (But more on that later.)
She puts on a show like no other diva.
Minogue is a showgirl through and through, so her concert tours are nothing short of spectacular. Her first North American trek in 2009 garnered rave reviews from critics, with one San Francisco Chronicle writer noting it had "one thrill after another." Minogue's 2011 Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour was also warmly received, with Billboard declaring the singer an "under-appreciated musical force."
Her music comes without pretension.
While some pop artists lay on the, "THIS IS ART" schtick, it seems like Minogue doesn't take herself too seriously. And that's an amazing thing. Instead of making our brains hurt with talks of Jeff Koons or caking on a faux accent to appear more academic, Minogue has no qualms about recording just fun pop music. Period. Watch the interview above, and you'll get exactly what we're talking about.
Oh, did we also mention it's good AF?
In terms of true blue dance-pop, the only person who gives Minogue's hits a run for their money is Madonna. Yes, they're that good. Listening to Minogue's 12 studio albums is like exploring the evolution of disco, from the airy dancehall vibes of Fever (2001) to the gritty electro landscape of X (2007), and even the plastic pop of Kiss Me Once (2014). The secret to her timeless catalog is an unyielding dedication to the hook, putting catchiness above everything else. (Again, this goes back to the no pretension thing.) For newbies, check out these tracks: "Love Affair," "Too Much," and "Speakerphone."
She's ridiculously friendly.
You won't witness any, "I absolutely loathe hydrangeas" shenanigans from the Impossible Princess, because she's just too damn nice. Without fail, Minogue is engaged, friendly, and relaxed in all of her interviews. Her demeanor is refreshing when so many artists act short, arrogant, or just effin' mean while doing press.
Her story will inspire you.
In 2005, Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently canceled public appearances and postponed the remainder of her Showgirl – The Greatest Hits Tour. She went on to beat the cancer and gave several frank interviews about her experience.
While visiting The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2008, Minogue revealed she had been misdiagnosed as cancer-free before getting a second opinion and learning she had cancer. "Because someone is in a white coat and using big medical instruments doesn't necessarily mean they're right," she said. The former French Cultural Minister Christine Albanel praised Minogue for publicly addressing her cancer, saying, "Doctors now even go as far as saying there is a 'Kylie effect' that encourages young women to have regular checks."
So yeah, she's an actual angel.
The Other Guys (2010) flawlessly referenced her.
Minogue might be the only veteran pop diva to get a "bro comedy" shout-out. In the hilarious film starring Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, Roger Wesley (played by Ray Stevenson) notes with 100 percent seriousness, "There are three things I love in this world: Kylie Minogue, small dimples just above a woman's buttocks...And the fear in a man's eye when he know's I'm about to hurt him." Yaaaas — get that subtle Aphrodite promo, K!
Madonna endorsed her in concert.
When the Queen of Pop approves, you know you're the real deal. Madonna also gushed over the "Into the Blue" singer while doing Rebel Heart press in March: "I love her. ["Can't Get You Out of My Head" is] a good song. I'm a big fan of her." Girl power!
And, most importantly, she has a song called "Sexercize."
You need it, including the music video where Minogue has more fun with exercise balls than we thought possible. God is real, and her name is Kylie.