Australian icon Kylie Minogue is finally gaining long-awaited recognition in the U.S. after years of feeling “anonymous” in the American market
After years of feeling like an unknown entity in the United States, Kylie Minogue is finally making waves in the American market – a dream long in the making for the global pop sensation. Despite being a household name across Europe and Australia, the 56-year-old singer admitted she once felt “anonymous” in the U.S.
However, with her recent appearance in Netflix’s highly anticipated comedy The Residence, it seems that is about to change. Minogue, the best-selling female artist from Australia and the third biggest-selling female act in the UK, has captivated audiences for four decades.
But her presence in the U.S. has only gained real traction following the viral success of her 2023 hit Padam Padam. While she had previously expressed contentment with her limited recognition in America, her record label signaled a shift in focus in 2023, revealing that she was now keen on making her mark stateside.
With Padam Padam gaining momentum and her follow-up album Tension securing her a Grammy win and a second No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, Minogue’s career in America has taken a dramatic turn. Her Las Vegas residency, another milestone in her expanding U.S. presence, further cemented her growing fan base before she was cast in the star-studded Netflix series.
Returning to her acting roots, Minogue – who first found fame on the Australian soap Neighbours – embraces a bold new role in The Residence, where she plays an exaggerated and foul-mouthed version of herself in a murder mystery set in the White House. Fans have been raving about her cameo, with many taking to social media to declare her the highlight of the show. Enthusiastic reactions flooded X (formerly Twitter), with comments such as: “I’ll watch this just for Kylie”, another echoed: “The only reason to tune in is Kylie Minogue.”
Someone else shared: “We need to get Kylie Minogue an Emmy for The Residence.” While another added: “Seeing Kylie Minogue in The Residence was an unexpected but brilliant surprise. Shonda Rhimes really got the budget.”
Her growing appeal in the U.S. is a testament to the power of social media. Jamie Nelson, Senior Vice President of U.K. Recordings at BMG, told Variety in 2023 that while they had always believed Padam Padam would perform well, its viral success exceeded all expectations.
“It’s reaching an unprecedented level – not just for her, but for any artist with such a long history,” he said, attributing much of the momentum to TikTok and online platforms. Minogue herself has embraced the resurgence, taking to social media to express gratitude for the overwhelming support. “This has been an incredible week, and to top it off, it’s my birthday today. I can’t thank you all enough. My heart is bursting with joy,” she wrote.
Capitalizing on this newfound success, Minogue followed in the footsteps of music legends like Cher, Celine Dion, and Adele by launching a Las Vegas residency. Kicking off in November 2023, her More Than Just a Residency series of performances wrapped up on May 4 after an impressive 20-show run.
Addressing the crowd at her final performance, she hinted at a possible return, saying, “This is the end… for now. I love you so much – I can’t wait to see you again.”
Behind the scenes, her impact on Las Vegas was undeniable. According to an insider speaking to The Sun, the head of her residency venue, Michael Gruber, was so impressed that he offered her an unprecedented “residency for life,” allowing her to return on her own terms.
“Venues typically demand fixed contracts or exclusivity agreements, but with Kylie, Michael knows he’s onto something special,” the source revealed.
Despite her long journey toward American recognition, Minogue now sees her recent success as a testament to her endurance. Calling her Vegas residency “a big win for longevity,” she has embraced this new chapter with open arms. However, fans were left disappointed when she announced a world tour without any U.S. dates, underscoring the demand for more of her presence stateside.
Reflecting on her previous struggles in America, Minogue once told The Express in 2009, “It doesn’t frustrate me [not breaking the U.S. market]. What’s frustrating is people assuming it’s something missing from my career or my life.” She also acknowledged in 2022, “I had resigned myself to the fact that America wouldn’t be like the rest of the world for me. I’m anonymous there – which, I must confess, I kind of like.”
But with her recent milestones, it’s clear that Kylie Minogue’s anonymity in America is fading fast. And for a pop icon who has spent 40 years redefining her career, this latest chapter may be one of her most exciting yet.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
