Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Tuesday 18 February 2025, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, South Australia
Kylie Minogue’s Tension Tour made a dazzling and spectacular stop at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, marking her first performance in the city since 2019 (Golden Tour). The pop icon delivered a exceptional show that seamlessly blended nostalgia with contemporary flair, the production was immaculate and it captivated an audience spanning multiple generations.
Presented by Frontier Touring & MG Live, The Tension Tour was a well executed tour that displayed nothing but the most innate of talent and professionalism by a tremendous and legendary Australian performer, that has transcended oceans, along with a well-versed team of folk both on-stage and off.
But, First…
Mallrat opened for Kylie and was an unexpected yet super magic pairing, blending indie dream-pop charm with pop royalty glamour. Grace Shaw, aka Mallrat, captivated the crowd with her ethereal vocals and effortless cool, creating a mesmerizing contrast to Kylie’s polished, high-energy spectacle. Her set, filled with shimmering melodies and introspective lyrics, felt intimate yet stadium-worthy, proving she’s more than ready for the big leagues. While some die-hard Kylie fans may not have expected her lo-fi pop vibes, Mallrat’s raw authenticity and magnetic stage presence made her a standout act, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night. Credit.
I, personally, as a fan, have been there from the beginning, from Skyways, The Sullivans, The Henderson Kids and, of course, Neighbours (The upmost of golden years of drama/family shows on the box). Her TV career has been illustrious. She has appeared in The Comedy Company, Vicar of Dibley and Kath & Kim. There’s been movies too, some good (The Delinquents), some not so (Street Fighter), but Kylie has always come through and survived the critics and sometimes god-awful, scathing reviews.
Her music career has also had it’s ups and downs, from the dreaded ‘Singing Budgie’ period to the lashings of the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ that us Aussies love ever-so much. Still she shines through it all and conquers. Did she ever want to throw it all in? I’m not sure. Maybe. But, thank goodness she didn’t, because LOOK AT HER NOW!
Kylie is the Princess of Pop. The ‘Queen In Waiting’ if you like.
Let’s chat the show I experienced… The Tension Tour.
A Grand Entrance
Kylie has always made a spectacular entrance, even from the first concert (Disco In Dream – 1989). Not unlike her idols – Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cher and Tina Turner, Kylie knows the power of THAT first moment of connection with the audience, the first impression.
So…
The evening commenced with an electrifying atmosphere as anticipation filled the air. Kylie made a dramatic entrance, descending onto the stage on a giant swing amidst a mesmerizing diamond laser light display. This theatrical introduction set the tone for a night of high-energy performances and visual extravagance.
A Journey Through Hits
The concert was a carefully curated journey through Kylie’s extensive career, featuring beloved classics and fresh tracks from her latest album, Tension II. Fans were treated to timeless hits such as ‘Padam Padam’, ‘Better The Devil You Know’, ‘Spinning Around’ and ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’. Each song was met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting Kylie’s enduring appeal and the deep connection she shares with her audience.
Intimate Moments
Beyond the high-energy numbers, Kylie infused the evening with intimate moments that resonated deeply and full-fillingly with fans. She took time to interact with the audience, sharing personal anecdotes and even accepting song requests. A standout moment was her impromptu a cappella rendition of “Where The Wild Roses Grow,” a haunting duet originally performed with Nick Cave. These spontaneous segments showcased Kylie’s genuine warmth and her commitment to creating memorable experiences for her fans.
A Personal Touch in Adelaide
During her stay in Adelaide, Kylie embraced the local culture by visiting the renowned Penfolds Magill Estate winery. Dressed casually in a red tracksuit, she toured the historic cellar door, sampling fine wines and sharing the experience with her followers on social media. This visit underscored her appreciation for the city’s heritage and added a personal touch to her Adelaide stopover.
Critical Acclaim
The Tension Tour has garnered widespread critical acclaim since its inception. The Guardian lauded the tour’s kickoff as a “euphoric show stuffed with hit after hit”, emphasizing Kylie’s ability to deliver a performance that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences. Similarly, The West Australian praised her Perth show, noting that the “Princess of Pop had Perth spinning around with a jaw-dropping performance”. These accolades reflect Kylie’s unwavering talent and her knack for crafting shows that are both spectacular and heartfelt.
You’ve Come A Long Way Baby…
From the child acting to The Locomotion and beyond our beloved Kylie has endured a lot, has had an expansive career and came out on top when many gave up. You cannot take away from her enduring nature and her obvious talent. Her charm, her wit, her connectability, her support of the queer community, her authenticity and her extensive catalogue of hits have found their way into out hearts. And cemented themselves there. She came, she’s MOST certainly conquered and she’s not going anywhere soon (We hope).
Highlights
Pffft. The whole fricken two hours. But, to be honest, it is when she slows it down and gives us some quieter pieces. ‘Confide In Me’ was a killer as was ‘Slow’ and ‘All The Lovers’.
However, that said, the final number in the encore ‘Love At First Sight’ was a total joyous celebration that was worth, ummm, celebrating.
‘Spinning Around’ will ALWAYS have my heart though. It was THE come-back single…
“Traded in my sorrow for some joy that I borrowed,
From back in the day,
Threw away my old clothes (I actually thought the lyric was ‘Threw away my over-alls’ from the Charlene days on Neighbours), got myself a better wardrobe,
I got something to say,
I’m through with the past, ain’t no point in looking back,
The future will be,
And did I forget to mention that I found a new direction,
And it leads back to me?”
Bravo Kylie, Bravo.
Conclusion
Kylie Minogue’s Adelaide concert was way, way, way more than just another music tour, it was a celebration of her illustrious career and her special bond with fans. Her ability to blend show-stopping theatrics with personal, intimate moments ensures that her legacy as the ‘Princess of Pop’ continues to shine brightly. Long live our princess.
