A legendary performer for the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race? We are so lucky. Kylie Minogue, who’s been in the running since 1987, when her cover of Little Eva’s Loco-Motion got things started, will perform a show after the final race on March 28 at Meydan Racecourse.
She arrives in Dubai today after having wrapped up a quick tour of her native Australia called Kiss Me Once, hailed as classic Kylie — think showgirl costumes tempered with tributes to her late boyfriend, Inxs’ Michael Hutchence — with a modern touch. The first show in Perth featured disco music producer Giorgio Moroder, who has worked with Minogue on Right Here, Right Now, a track from his upcoming album 74 is the New 24. Moroder, 74, was behind Donna Summer hits Love To Love You Baby and I Feel Love, and is rebooting his career this year with tracks featuring Sia, Britney Spears and Charli XCX.
We caught up with Minogue in an exclusive interview ahead of her visit to find out about the show, her love of horses and being on tour.
What can we expect from your performance at the Dubai World Cup? Will it be the Kiss Me Once tour show, or a stand-alone set?
The KMO tour finishes in Australia but we will be taking many elements of it for Dubai. We are adding some more hits so we’re excited to rehearse up this new show. My full band and eight dancers will be there... Amazing costumes and light show. Also, we’re having fireworks at the end. Yay!
You’re on tour in Australia. How do you feel at the start of something so big?
It’s always exciting to come home to Australia. And I am so proud to bring my team to my beautiful country. We started this tour last year in Europe, so we were very happy to be reunited and get the show on the road again.
Will Giorgio Moroder be with you in Dubai, too?
Giorgio won’t be with us as he has some more gigs in Australia. They are loving him here, which is fantastic. But I’m certain his spirit and the spirit of disco will stay with us. It is thrilling to have Giorgio join us and to see that he is still so interested in music and learning and experiencing new things. I arranged sunset drinks for my entire team as they have been working so hard, and Giorgio and his wife, Francesca, joined us. Giorgio went over to the club DJ to talk about his set up and see what equipment he was using. It was amazing. So, age is something we can’t avoid, but we can choose to make the most of wherever we are in life.
You’ve got some more dates at races lined up after the Dubai World Cup. Are you a fan of horse racing, and have you ever won on the horses?
I did win, once. I was about sixteen and I was one of those teenage girls who was obsessed with horses and ponies. Not racehorses, but riding horses. I lived in the suburbs and there was no way I was ever getting a pony but it didn’t stop me from dreaming about it. I went to the races with my family and went to look at the horses being paraded before the race. I thought I knew what I was looking for in the horse and I chose my winner. He was a long shot, something like 16-1, and I think I put about $2 (Dh5.7) each way. He won!!! Oh, and I still don’t have a pony, hah.
How is this tour different from previous ones?
Every tour is different. Musically, thematically etc. This one is more streamlined than the previous one. There is more space on stage and I’ve loved it. We are referencing Bauhaus, disco, and even myself in the ’80s. I’m really proud of this show and it’s been an absolute joy to take it on the road. I’m so excited to come to Dubai again and perform for you.
