The Fabulous Life Of Kylie Minogue
Rex FeaturesKylie Ann Minogue was born in 1968 to an accountant father, Ronald, and a former dancer, Carol Anne. She has a younger sister, fellow pop singer Dannii and an older brother, Brendan, who works as a cameraman.
Rex FeaturesKylie’s first taste of fame was as wholesome mechanic Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Her wedding to Jason Donovan’s Scott Robinson was watched by nearly 19m and remains the Australian soap’s most-watched episode ever.
Rex FeaturesThe story goes that music executives Stock, Aitken and Watermen had forgotten that Kylie was coming to meet them and, as a result, wrote “I Should Be So Lucky” while she waited outside the studio. They did something right as the song went straight to No1 in the UK and Australia.
Rex FeaturesIn 1989 Kylie dueted with her then-boyfriend Jason Donovan on “Especially For You” and had us swooning over her cuteness.
PA PhotosKylie dated INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who famously said his favourite hobby was “corrupting Kylie”. The relationship transformed the singer’s image from girl-next-door to sexy pop siren.
PA PhotosKylie showed her versatility in 1999 when she did an unlikely collaboration with electro duo Pet Shop Boys on their Nightlife album.
WENNDisco fever hit in 2000 as Kylie had us all “Spinning Around” at the sight of those gold hotpants.
PA PhotosAt 5ft, Kylie’s always been petite but director Baz Luhrmann made the singer even smaller when he cast her as Absinthe, the Green Fairy in his 2001 Oscar-winning film, Moulin Rouge. Here she is at the film's premiere.
PA PhotosWhite jumpsuits suddenly became a legitimate fashion trend after Kylie flashed her thighs in her “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” video.
PA PhotosKylie’s 2005 Showgirl tour was intended to be the most extensive and intensive of the singer’s career. Tickets sold out in minutes and the total anticipated audience was over 700,000.
PA PhotosHalfway through the tour, Kylie was diagnosed with breast cancer and postponed the remaining concerts so she could undergo treatment in Australia. The star’s battle with the disease led to a 40% increase in women booking breast screenings.
PA PhotosFrench actor Olivier Martinez supported the singer through her illness but the pair finally parted ways after three years in 2007.
Rex FeaturesKylie returned to her acting roots in the same year with a cameo role in Doctor Who. The star gave Kate Winslet a run for her money playing Astrid Peth, a waitress on a space-faring version of the Titanic.
PA PhotosKylie’s comeback tour, KYLIEX2008, took in 74 concerts across Europe, South America, Asia and Australia, and grossed nearly $70m.
PA PhotosAs regular at Jean-Paul Gaultier’s show, no one was surprised when Kylie chose the designer to create the costumes for her 2008 concerts. Outfits included a “spiderwoman gown” and a Japanese Manga dress.
PA PhotosKylie had been recognised by her fans and now she was recognised by the Queen. The singer received an OBE in 2008 for services to music. "I am almost as surprised as I am honoured. I feel deeply touched to be acknowledged by the UK, my adopted home, in this way,” the star said later.
WENNKylie performed at the world’s most expensive party when the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai threw a £16m bash to celebrate its opening; and reportedly paid the singer £2m for her set.
PA PhotosIn 2009, Kylie found herself presenting the Brits instead of winning them (she has three). The singer hosted Britain’s biggest music event alongside Gavin & Stacey’s Matthew Horne and James Corden.
PA PhotosThe singer is currently dating Spanish model Andrés Velencoso, and says: “I know I am very happy now.”
Kylie’s always been a busy lady and this year is no different. The singer’s new album, Boombox was released in February; she’ll be touring in America for the first time in September and is appearing in Blue, the biggest budget Bollywood film ever made, this summer.
