The Australian pop star is set to perform in the city in what will be her first show in the Middle East. Bhavna Purswani provides a quick profile-check

Born on May 29, 1968, in Melbourne, Australia, Kylie Minogue started her career as an actor. She was regularly cast in minor roles for children's programmes in Australia but only got noticed in 1986 when she starred in Neighbours. It was through this show that she kick-started her music career.

In 1987 along with other cast members, Minogue sang at a charity concert. She chose the 1960s hit Locomotion by Little Eva. Minogue's rendition of the song became a national hit.

She went on to sign up with Australian record company Mushroom, with whom she released her first album Kylie. It sold over 5 million copies worldwide and went platinum several times in the UK.

Makeover

Determined to be taken seriously in the industry and be more appealing to older audiences, Minogue took creative control of her music with her 1990's single Better the Devil You Know.

She ditched the "girl next door" image that the recording studio seemed intent on exploiting and cast herself in a more sophisticated and sensuous light.

This ensured her continued success, and made her into a personality whose fame has surpassed her music.

Minogue's musical career has seen her transform from a regular pop artist to a true performer who isn't afraid to experiment and transform. In 2000, her single Spinning Around made her one of only three artists to have a number one hit in three consecutive decades.

Her follow-up single On a Night Like This debuted in the UK charts at No. 2. She then released her most anticipated album Light Years and went double platinum. Minogue's musical progression as an artist and a performer are clearly charted by her 10 albums.

Diagnosed with cancer

Minogue started her Showgirl - The Greatest Hits Tour in 2006. The show was extremely successful in the UK, with it being an extravagant display of exotic costumes and mesmerising dance routines.

Shortly after she arrived in Melbourne she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to cancel the Australian leg of her world tour to undergo treatment.

She resumed her show in November 2006 with an emotional comeback in Sydney; reviews described it as "nothing less than a triumph".

She is a recipient of three Brit Awards as well as a Grammy, not to mention an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008.

When, where?

Kylie Minogue will be performing in Dubai on November 20 at a private opening party for The Palm Atlantis. She is reportedly being paid £2 million for the event.

But this isn't a cause for worry for the rest of us as on the November 21, Minogue will be performing at the Dubai Festival City in a stadium that has an audience capacity for 20,000 people.

If her past shows are anything to go by, be sure you have your tickets!

By Bhavna Purswani

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