March 30, 2025
Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue returns to Montreal
The Bell Centre was transformed into a wild nineties dance spectacular as Kylie Minogue rolled in on her pop-tastic party train – her first visit to Montreal in fourteen years. Something she immediately spoke up about and apologized for. All is well; you’re here now.
In tow were her fabulous array of back-up dancers, and absolute die hard fans that had been following her on what is said to be her last spin around the pond. Given the reception she has gotten – in Montreal at least, we’ll see if she doesn’t reconsider and keep going for a while longer.
See Also: The Damn Truth at Mtelus, Montreal
A colorful retrospective of Minogue’s entire career, a catalogue of songs for everyone to enjoy. Montrealer’s were ready to party dressed to the nines. Breaking tonight’s set into different acts focusing on different eras of hits. Deep cuts and shortened, condensed remixes to boot, something for every fan.
Minogue had a look for all the eras, from sexy latex numbers to sparkle and shine catsuits. Exuding glamour with a touch of party chic. Her dancers scaled it up a notch too, changing from the fabulous eighties to creating a dystopian future atmosphere. Blending fashion avantgarde, stage props, all on this catwalk-esque stage. Risers featuring a live band and back up singers interchanging as it morphed with the progression of songs.
Easily adapting with the reinvention of her image staying relevant, for the ever changing face of pop. She proved why she was party Queen for the night. Commanding the stage and enjoying every minute.
The intro track began and in the middle of a diamond array of spotlights, the Aussie pop starlet appeared perched upon a swing. Lights Camera, Action, as she descended to the stage for the song I adore In Your Eyes. High energy mix of hits Get Out Of My Way , seeing Minogue interacting with her dancers She sang What Do I Have To Do to get you to Come Into My World . Spinning Around and bringing us back to earth as she disappeared for a breather after a bright beginning.
Second act brought out all the he colors for her newer albums. I wasn’t as familiar with these few songs but it was upbeat and enjoyable. Though my back was deciding to not co-operate, so dancing for me was a bit of side stepping at best.
Keeping the pace with the first part – I was pretty amazed at how fit she was running around and singing. Without an overpowering backing track it’s harder to hide the shortness of breath or missed note. I’d rather experience the authenticity of a performance flaws and all, then a polished and sanitized version. Sounding strong, she revisited the older songs and covers that put her in the map in the late eighties and nineties. We were gifted with Shocked and The Things We Do For Love.
Running at full speed for the Locomotion, Minogue shifted gears to slow it right down to the sidelined B stage. Breaking, to get up close and personal with her audience. Singing Hold On Now as her back up singers joined in. Introducing the band back on the mainstage, Minogue went into a request block bringing guitarist up to help with Wow. Giving a single red rose to fan who followed her on this tour, she did so while serenading him with a snippet of Where The Wild Roses Grow – A song with fellow Australian Nick Cave ( & The Bad Seeds). Finishing this more intimate part with a very sweet acoustical version of Say Something.
With a disco ball drop, signaling the start to get this party back rolling, as she slowly made her way through the adoring crowd to the main stage. Stoking the heat back up with a montage of songs such as Supernova , Real Groove, Magic, Where does The DJ Go?
As she interacted with fans giving her gifts and showing all the love, a chant started; Kylie! Kylie! Kylie! She admitted it has been too long since she had visited with an apology after how crazy we responded in return. We sang back at her in perfect unison. Now I no longer have to ponder why it sounds so much better in our city, were all already singing our hearts out, the back up singers have back up singers
As a bit of an amateur singer herself, before I came along – My mom would have appreciated seeing this iconic show. There were a lot of moms in this audience singing along, celebrating with their kin. These sentimental moments strike a chord, as I remember all the fun my mom and I had singing along in the kitchen or wherever the moment struck.
Appearing next in a haze of smoke, alone, cloaked with a film noir appeal like something out of Blade Runner. A mini-movie playing in the back with Montreal featured in the advertisement, superimposed.
Jumping into the final stretch for the song Slow, where she teased us, revealing a purple silk robe and fishnets, rockin the heels. Bringing the many shirtless dancers back out for Timebomb, The Edge Of Saturday Night.
The final bit of Tension was released with the dancers maneuvering some impressive chair routines and taking a break all at once – clever. As we waited for the ultimate ear worm that would be stuck in everyone’s heads for the rest of the night, I’ll only hint at the title, it’ll stick – I’m sure. I’m not the only one. If you have have ever turned on a radio and accidentally heard it even, you knew this song… and you were probably singing along. The sign of a timeless song. (The song was Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, by the way, in case you didn’t catch that!)
All The Lovers brought the emotions out for one last slower arrangement along with a small drop of of confetti to end the party in true fashion.
Latest club success Padam Padam an exciting way to end a two-hour set with everyone up dancing and hopping.
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It was alas the last Love At First Sight for those who were seeing her perform for possibly the first and last time. Showing that age doesn’t dictate ability, it’s truly the love and passion for what you do. Twenty seven songs later, it was sadly time to say goodbye and goodnight. The crowd kept the party alive, still dancing until they were told to vacate.
Continuing in the Montreal clubs , I’m sure, ’til the wee hours as we do.
