Kylie Minogue Is Pop Perfection At Manchester AO Arena.

Editor Stephen Hill 20th May 2025

Manchester has long been woven into the fabric of the Kylie Minogue songbook. The Australian pop princess has graced the city’s smaller grassroots venues with unforgettable intimate gigs and has set a remarkable record for the most performances by a solo artist at the vast AO Arena.  

Now, Kylie returns, selling out the 23,000-seat arena to capacity for two nights on her new Tension Tour, celebrating her latest incredible reinvention and chart-topping success. 

Over the past 26 years and across 32 shows, this arena has experienced the magic of Kylie in all her radiance and diverse personas.  

We’ve seen her dazzling in flamboyant feathers and tiny-waisted corsets during the 2007 Showgirl Tour, and as a Greek goddess in the 2011 Aphrodite Tour. Yet, in 2025, we find Kylie reveling in her essence as a quintessential pop icon. 

During a tender moment, she reflects, "I’ve done tours where we've been to Ancient Greece and intergalactic space, but I wanted this tour to be about you and me together, and here we are!"  

In a flourish of camp and drama, she emerges from the arena rafters, illuminated by strobe lights, clad in diamond-studded, neon leather, descending on a swing as futuristic robot dancers perform in unison to "Lights, Camera, Action." From this moment on, the energy never falters; one hit seamlessly flows into the next. Kylie thrives on stage, exuding vitality during this two-hour journey through her 38-year legacy.  

The passion of her Manchester superfans, ready to dance, scream, and embrace their beloved icon, is truly moving. In a heartfelt moment, she sinks to her knees, acknowledging, "Now is a good time to mention that this marks my 32nd performance in this arena since 1999, so I want to say thank you."  

The show’s production is nothing short of exquisite; the big screens amplify her presence with precision. Fans get an intimate glimpse of Kylie’s bright blue eyes and radiant smile. Now 56, she seems to defy age, looking and sounding better than ever, delivering a note-perfect performance that allows her vocals to soar above the pulsating beats.   

As anticipated, there are dazzling costume changes, and the skillful dance crew showcases a stunning array of outfits, from sharp suits to futuristic cloaks. During "Better the Devil You Know," they transform into neon versions of inflatable tube men, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.  Just when you think the energy can't intensify, Kylie proclaims, "We’re into fifth gear now!" launching into the anthem "Shocked," complete with the full rap. 

The stage radiates camp and glamour, with every strut inspiring the audience. The sonic backdrop is elevated by pulsating disco beats, revitalizing her timeless songs.  Even "Loco-Motion" receives a vibrant twist, complemented by a stunning visual backdrop of multiple Kylies among rainbow pyramids. She skillfully navigates the crowd to the B Stage, playfully declaring, "That was a decent 'Loco-Motion,' wasn’t it?"   

It's a testament to Kylie’s enduring brilliance that new songs resonate with the fans just as powerfully as her legendary hits. Her 2018 country-inspired track "Dancing" resonates with modernity, showcasing choreography that is currently trending across the music scene. On the B Stage, she encourages requests, and fans present a sign for "Tears On My Pillow." With laughter, she admits uncertainty about the key but delivers the song a cappella, creating an unforgettable shared moment.  

This performance is steeped in Kylie’s signature flair, seamlessly transforming an emotional singalong of "Say Something" into a dynamic disco ball drop. She discards her jumpsuit to reveal a sparkling mini-dress, embodying the spirit of joy as she returns to the main stage.  At the grand finale, we witness a compelling, dark romance during "Confide in Me," showcasing her extraordinary vocals as swirling dry ice creates an incantatory atmosphere. The experience evolves into the sultry rhythm of "Slow," and she sheds her cloak to reveal a striking purple mini-dress, leading us into an exhilarating rendition of "Can't Get You Out of My Head.