The first concert I ever attended was Kylie Minogue’s On a Night Like This tour at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne when I was just 16. I was completely blown away by her talent, stage presence, and the energy of the show. During that show, she even debuted a brand new, unreleased track—Can’t Get You Outta My Head—a song that would soon become the anthem we all know and love. It also marked the beginning of a tradition—after that, I never missed a Kylie tour in Melbourne. Since moving to New York, I’ve still made a point of keeping that streak alive. I even flew to Vegas for the opening night of her residency. And now, seeing her take the stage at Madison Square Garden for the first time ever feels like a full-circle moment.
Let’s be honest—Kylie could walk out in her pajamas and still be incredible. But of course, she doesn’t. The Tension tour delivers everything you’d hope for from a Kylie show: stunning outfits (she’s still the queen of the quick change), incredible production, the unmistakable warmth and joy she brings to every performance—and all the hits we came for. When your career spans almost four decades, deciding which songs to include—and which to leave out—has to be one of the toughest parts of putting a show together.
Seeing Kylie at Madison Square Garden was a huge moment for so many Aussies living in New York. The Empire State Building was even lit up in green and gold in honor of Kylie. But it wasn’t just about the music—it was about pride, nostalgia, and the feeling of home. Toni Wendtmann summed it up perfectly: “You always feel proud seeing any Aussie perform—and this felt like a once in a lifetime experience.” Alexandra Devitt shared that she felt like she was “back home in Melbourne,” and Emily said it was “so great to witness her popularity right across the other side of the world.”
For some, this was their first time seeing Kylie live; for others, just one of many shows they’ve been to over the years. But across the board, the energy at MSG was something special. From Kylie handing out roses during Where the Wild Roses Grow to the reveal of the disco ball, there were standout moments for everyone. “When she said she’d always dreamed of singing in the round at MSG, that really hit me,” Emily said. Favorite songs ranged from Confide in Me, which reminded Alexandra of first hearing it on Triple J, to the classics like Locomotion and Can’t Get You Outta My Head, which got a huge crowd reaction.
Everyone described the night with words like “joyous,” “fun,” “spectacular,” and “vibrant.” There were sparkly outfits, bright colors, sequins, red leather pants. Emily laughed that she wished she’d had more sparkle.
What always stands out is Kylie’s authentic love for performing. She’s a fantastic live performer who seems so natural on stage after all these years. The gratitude and joy she shares resonates with everyone, and she connects effortlessly with the amazing energy of her fans. Her ability to engage with the audience on such a personal level, creating a vibe that is warm and relatable – this genuine connection is what keeps us coming back for more.
There was one clear consensus: Kylie still has it. “She is unbelievable,” Emily said. “Looking so incredible at 56! I’m just so grateful she’s here.” It really felt like a big, euphoric dance party—and I think most of us would’ve happily stayed all night just to hear a few more songs.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 