Kylie talks to us ahead of taking on one of the most prestigious gigs on the Aussie calendar.
Vegemite, The Big Pineapple, the Sydney Opera House, the Hills Hoist and, of course, Kylie Minogue – yep, we’re talking Australian national treasures. The global icon is about to take over the MCG for the pre-game show at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday afternoon, which we think is long overdue. And then, shortly after, Fremantle and Brisbane will go head to head in the Big Dance.
Will the Brissy Lions make it three Premierships in a row? Can Will Ashcroft make history as the only player ever to win three consecutive Norm Smith medals? Or will the Freo Dockers immortalise themselves – it’s only the second time they’ve made it to an AFL Grand Final – and take home the first Premiership win in its club history? Will Kylie sing ‘Can't Get You Out of My Head’? Will we see those gold hotpants? We asked Kylie how she’s preparing for the once-in-a-lifetime performance.
The last time Kylie took the stage at the MCG was in 2009 for the Sound Relief benefit concert. “I’ve been fortunate enough to perform on some extraordinary stages around the world, but I know this will have an energy all of its own,” Kylie told Dan’s Daily. “To be at the ’G with 100,000 footy fans on Grand Final Day will be extraordinary.”
There won’t be a spare seat in Melbourne’s Colosseum, which means preparation is everything. “When I’m on tour, we settle into a rhythm of timing with arriving at the venue, sound-check and warm ups, but Grand Final day will be different. It’s a one-off performance, so I’m sure I’ll have my work cut out for me, navigating nerves and excitement.” Kylie says that, for her, preparation means a quiet dressing room. “There’s already so much going on with getting ready, the slow build of showtime approaching and adrenaline rising, last minute this-and-thats, plus my busy mind, I usually don’t need music as well.” Then there’s the warm up. “I have a vocal warm-up singalong with my gorgeous backing vocalists, and if the band isn't too far away, we’ll all vibe together. I have to say that’s one of my favourite parts of a show day because we are about to go out and do what we all love – as a team.”
If you’ve ever wondered what’s on the rider of the highest-selling Aussie female artist of all time, Kylie says her non-negotiables are a kettle, coffee machine and, for the past six years, a selection of Kylie Minogue Wines.
“Before a performance, it’s all about hydration, so plenty of water and usually a warm drink for my voice. Afterwards is when I can relax and raise a glass. For the Grand Final, it will have to be a chilled glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé. I love to share that moment with the crew.” And Kylie says there’s always plenty of the newest addition in the line-up – the non-alc KMW 0% Sparkling Rosé. “Taking stock after the show is another beautiful bonding moment and a way to say thank you to everyone.”
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Kylie’s pre-show concert should go for 20 minutes, give or take, and while she can’t tell us too much, she says she and her team are excited to bring some serious energy to the ‘G and to those watching at home. “We’ve worked hard to find a mix of songs that can come together well for this specific event,” says Kylie. “Expect some classics and, of course, a few surprises, too.”
We know fellow Aussie artist G Flip – who is having their global breakout year – will open for Kylie, which G Flip says is a “pinch me” moment. “Guests are always an important part of the Grand Final performance,” says Kylie, “so I will have some company, too.”
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For those throwing a game-day party and screening the Grand Final at home, Kylie has a few golden rules for hosting. “First, chill the wine, prepare food that guests can easily help themselves to, and choose or make a playlist in advance. Keep it relaxed and don’t make things too complicated.”
Speaking of the wine, Kylie recommends starting with bubbles – you could go for her Prosecco Rosé or the Prosecco D.O.C. in her range. When it comes to the food on the day, Kylie says her Signature Rosé is a great wine to have on the table – it will pair up with everything from meat pies and hot dogs to a full lunch spread. And by having a bottle of that 0% Sparkling Rosé, she says everyone can be part of the celebration. Kylie’s top tip? “Consider an ice bucket or two, so you don’t miss a beat of the performance or the game.”
And while Kylie doesn’t support a particular team – which, we imagine, makes Grand Final Day (and the whole season) a lot more fun – she says it doesn’t stop her getting involved when she watches a match “with all sorts of yelling, excitement and armchair commentary.”
Kylie has sold over 80 million records across the globe, she’s the first female artist to have albums top the UK charts for five consecutive decades, and, even with two Grammys, four Brit Awards and 18 ARIA Awards, the importance of Grand Final Day is not lost on her. “I want people to feel uplifted and ready for the incredible game ahead,” she says. “The Grand Final means so much to sporting fans, so it will be an honour for me to be part of this special day.”
