Dannii Minogue

Dannii Minogue
Minogue performing at G-A-Y in 2004.
Background information
Birth name	Danielle Minogue
Born	20 October 1971 (1971-10-20) (age 38)
Origin	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genre(s)	Pop, Dance, Funky House, Electronica
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, actor, fashion designer, model
Years active	1978–present
Label(s)	Mushroom, MCA, Ultra, Eternal, London, All Around the World
Associated acts	Kylie Minogue
Website	DanniiMusic.com

Danielle Minogue (born 20 October 1971) is an Australian singer and songwriter and occasional actress, model fashion designer, TV Personality and sister of Kylie Minogue. Minogue rose to prominence in the early 1980s for her roles in the Australian television talent show Young Talent Time and in the soap opera Home and Away, before commencing her career as a pop singer in the early 1990s.^[1]

Minogue achieved early success with hits such as "Love and Kisses" and "This is It", though by the release of her second album, her popularity as a singer had declined, leading her to concentrate on other fields such as television presenting. The late 1990s saw a brief return to music after Minogue reinvented herself as a dance artist with "All I Wanna Do", her first number one UK Club hit.^[2] In 2001, Minogue further returned to musical success with the release of her biggest worldwide hit to date, "Who Do You Love Now?", while her subsequent album, Neon Nights, became the most successful of her career. In the UK, she has achieved eleven consecutive number one dance singles, becoming the best performing artist on the UK Upfront Club Chart.^[3][2] Minogue is currently signed to All Around The World and, in 2006, released her second official "best of" compilation, The Hits and Beyond. She is currently a judge on Australia's Got Talent and The X Factor.

Minogue's private life, including her marriage to Australian actor Julian McMahon and engagement to both Canadian Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve and former Bros band member Craig Logan, has been much discussed in the media. She has promoted gay rights causes throughout the world,^[4] and is noted for her work to increase awareness of AIDS.^[5]

Biography

Childhood and beginning

Minogue was born in Melbourne, Australia, to Ron Minogue, an Australian accountant^[6] and Carol Jones, a dancer from Maesteg, Wales.^[7] She is the youngest of three children; her sister, Kylie, is a pop singer, and her brother, Brendan, is a news cameraman in Australia.^[8]

Minogue began her career as a child on Australian television. From the age of seven, she had appeared in several soap operas, including Skyways and The Sullivans. In 1981, she joined the successful weekly music programme Young Talent Time.^[1] Minogue recorded her first solo recordings for the programme, including a cover version of Madonna's hit single "Material Girl"; during this time, she also performed live at several sold-out nationwide concert tours.^[1][9] In 1988, Minogue departed from Young Talent Time to continue her acting career, appearing as the rebellious tomboyish teenager Emma Jackson on the soap opera Home and Away. Minogue remained on the programme for only a year, but proved to be popular among Australian audiences when she was nominated for a "Silver Logie" for the country's "Most Popular Actress on Australian television".^[9]

In September 1988, Minogue released her own fashion range entitled Dannii. She became interested in fashion design while appearing on Young Talent Time. Minogue had designed the clothing she had worn on the show, and the positive response from the audience resulted in her releasing her one line.^[10] Minogue's debut line Dannii sold out across Australia in ten days, and was followed by three additional summer lines in 1989.^[9]

1990–1995: Early career

Minogue signed a recording contract with Australian-based Mushroom Records in January 1989.^[9] Her first album, Dannii, was released the following year and reached number twenty-four on the Australian albums chart.^[11] Outside Australia, the album was released in 1991, under the title Love and Kisses, and became a top ten hit. Minogue's debut single "Love and Kisses" peaked at number four on the Australian singles chart and was certified gold.^[11][9] In the UK, the song reached the top ten on the singles chart.^[12]

Minogue released Love and Kisses and..., a reissue of her debut album, in April 1992. The album, a collection of dance songs, comprised tracks and remixes from Love and Kisses. It peaked at number forty-two on the UK albums chart, and sold nearly 60,000 copies.^[9] Several remixes by producer and DJ Steve "Silk" Hurley were successful in European dance clubs. She credits these remixes for providing her with a "new image and sound to work with" on future releases.^[1] Also that year, Minogue made her feature film debut in Secrets, which co-starred Noah Taylor. The film revolved around five Australian teenagers who become stuck in the basement of a hotel in an attempt to see The Beatles. The film was not well received by audiences or critics, with Minogue's performance being described as "not all that convincing".^[13]

Minogue released her second album Get into You, which included the songs "Show You the Way to Go", "This Is It" and "This Is the Way", in October 1993. The album contained uptempo dance tracks and mature vocals, but despite her past chart success, failed to make the British top fifty.^[12] In mid-1994, Minogue returned to television as a presenter, co-hosting Channel 4's morning show The Big Breakfast in the UK.^[9] In 1995, Minogue released the singles "Rescue Me" and "Boogie Woogie", a collaboration with dance act Eurogroove. Released only in Japan, both songs reached number one on the Japanese singles chart.^[9] She began recording her third album in 1995; however, Minogue and her record label, Mushroom Records, parted ways in late 1995 following a contract disagreement.^[14]

1996–2001: Girl, presenting, and theatre

In 1996, Minogue resumed her co-hosting duties, presenting the Eggs on Legs road show segment. That same year, Minogue briefly hosted the children's show Disney Time and co-hosted, with Gareth Jones, the teenage Saturday morning entertainment show It's Not Just Saturday for sixteen weeks. In 1997, Minogue hosted Top of the Pops, a British music chart television programme, before returning to her recording career later that year.^[9] In April 1997, Minogue made her stage debut as Rizzo in the musical Grease: The Arena Spectacular. In Australia, the show sold over 450,000 tickets during its first season.^[9] The following year, Minogue resumed her role as Rizzo, performing in New Zealand. At the 1998 MO Awards, Minogue was nominated for "Best Female Musical Theater Performer" for her role.^[9]

Following the release of several remixes of her songs by Steve "Silk" Hurley, Minogue became interested in dance music. She commented that the remixes were "the first thing I did that was really cool and my love of dance music and clubbing started from there."^[1] Minogue's interest in dance music and clubbing influenced her third album Girl, released in September 1997, which featured collaborations with musicians such as Brian Higgins of Xenomania. The album presented a more sophisticated and adult style of dance music, but despite generally positive reviews, failed to make the British top fifty.^[12] Minogue's single "All I Wanna Do", which the Daily Mirror described as a "bass-bumping, shuddering return",^[15] peaked at number four on the UK singles chart and was certified gold in Australia.^[12][9] The album's follow-up singles, "Everything I Wanted" and "Disremembrance", failed to reached the top ten, but reached number one on the UK dance chart.^[2]

Mushroom Records released two budget compilation albums in December 1998, as part of the label's twenty-fifth anniversary. Released only in Australia, The Singles comprised all of Minogue's single releases, while The Remixes contained popular remixes. These releases were promoted with the song Coconut which was previously only available as a hidden track on CD versions of the Girl album. In January 1999, following her performance at the 1998 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Minogue released the festival's first official theme song, "Everlasting Night".^[9] It appeared on the compilation CD Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras of 1999, and its music video, co-directed by Minogue, was a tribute to Australia's gay and lesbian community.^[16]

In 1999, Minogue returned to theatre, starring in the production of Shakespeare's Macbeth at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The play received mixed reviews; critic Matt Grant wrote that Minogue "lacks true conviction as she ploughs through the lines without capturing their full force",^[17] while Fiachra Gibbons singled Minogue's performance out, noting in her review that Minogue's "disco-queen-from-hell delivery works well" for her character, Lady Macbeth.^[18] Two years later, Minogue appeared as Esmeralda in the musical production of Notre-Dame de Paris in London's West End. The musical received poor reviews from British critics who called it "lame" and its songs "reminiscent of [the] Eurovision song contest".^[19] At the 2002 Maxim Awards, she won "Best Stage Performance" for her role.^[9] In 2001, Minogue also appeared in the stage play The Vagina Monologues, which co-starred Kika Markham and Meera Syal.^[9]

In November 2001, Minogue released the single "Who Do You Love Now?", a collaboration with Dutch dance act Riva. Described by Sound Generator as a "nice serene and dreamy vocal on the dance floor anthem", the song peaked at number three on the UK singles chart, and reached number one on the dance charts.^[20] In the United States, the song was released to dance clubs, and reached number one on the United States Billboard Dance Club chart.^[9] In 2001, Minogue signed a six album deal with London Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music International.^[21]

2002–2004: Neon Nights and radio programme

In March 2003, Minogue released her fourth album, Neon Nights, which the BBC called "a pleasant cocktail of pop sophistication, club culture and accessibility".^[22] It consisted of 1980s inspired dance-pop songs and provided Minogue with some of the strongest reviews of her career. Neon Nights peaked at number eight on the UK albums chart (her highest ranking since her debut), and produced three top ten singles.^[12] The second single, "I Begin to Wonder", declared one of the "best things" on the album by Ireland's Radio Telefís Éireann, became her highest charting single, peaking at number two on the UK singles chart.^[23][12] The album's success was equally widespread, and following extensive airplay by North American dance radio, Warner Music Group released it in the United States in late 2003. Singles "I Begin to Wonder" and "Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling" were also substantial successes on the US dance charts.^[24][9]

In June 2003, Minogue hosted her own radio programme, Dannii Minogue's Neon Nights. Broadcast in Australia and the UK, Minogue played songs by up-and-coming DJs, as well as her own music.^[25] Minogue was dropped by London Records in May 2004 due to low record sales. Later that year she signed a new contract with independent dance label All Around the World Records.^[21]

2004–2006: The Hits & Beyond

In October 2004, Minogue released the single "You Won't Forget About Me", a collaboration with the dance act Flower Power. Described by MSN Entertainment as a "real grower" and noted for its "snip snapping house beats and '80s flecked synths", the song peaked at number seven on the UK singles chart.^[26][12] "Perfection", a collaboration with the Soul Seekerz, followed in October 2005.

Minogue released The Hits & Beyond, a greatest hits album, in June 2006. The album was comprised of new songs alongside singles from her four studio albums. It debuted at number seventeen on the UK albums chart, but dropped quickly, spending only seven weeks in the top seventy-five.^[12] In Australia, The Hits & Beyond became one of Minogue's lowest charting albums, peaking at number sixty-seven.^[11] The album introduced a new single, "So Under Pressure", inspired by the cancer diagnoses of her sister Kylie as well as that of an unnamed friend.^[27] The single became her tenth consecutive song to reach number one on the UK Upfront Club chart. Minogue has described the recording of "So Under Pressure" as a "real achievement" as she was "brave enough to put all [her feelings] into words".^[28] Throughout her sister's battle with cancer, Dannii had been closely followed by the media, who wanted to know about Kylie's developments. The period left her feeling drained, but also motivated her to continue to record and compose personal lyrics.^[27] In September 2006, Minogue's cover of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" appeared on Spirit of Christmas, a compilation album of holiday songs available through Myer department stores across Australia.^[29]

In November 2006, Minogue performed Sister Sledge's 1979 song "He's the Greatest Dancer" on BBC One's Children in Need telethon. A studio version of the song, remixed by Fugitive, appeared on the dance compilation Clubland 10, released in November 2006.^[30] The following month, "He's the Greatest Dancer" was released to UK dance clubs and reached number one on the Upfront Club chart.^[31]

2007: X-Factor, Deluxe Editions and Unleashed

In 2007, Minogue was a judge on the Network 7's variety show Australia's Got Talent. She also appeared as a judge and mentor in the fourth series of ITV's music talent show, The X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.^[32] It was revealed on 29 September that she would be mentoring the boys category during the show. She chose Leon Jackson, Rhydian Roberts and Andy Williams to represent her in the live rounds of the competition.^[33] Since her appearances as a judge on the talent show, Minogue has commented "I've finally been accepted as me. It's a fantastic opportunity, for once, not to be compared with Kylie. At last, I've found my own slot."^[34] Despite heavy criticism about her credentials to be a judge, 2 of her chosen acts, Rhydian Roberts and Leon Jackson, became the final two, with Jackson eventually becoming the winner on 15 December after winning the public vote.^[35] Her success on the show has led to her considering a career as a music manager.^[36]

October onwards saw a total of five releases from Minogue; first, on 29 October, reissues of her 1997 and 2003 albums Girl and Neon Nights, each containing a double-disc, the second disc of which includes remixes.^[37][38] On 5 November Minogue released Unleashed, a collection of previously unheard material from her time with London Records, and The Video Collection, which includes every one of her music videos as well as bonus features.^[39] Finally, on 3 December, a new single was released, entitled "Touch Me Like That".^[40] The song is to be credited as Dannii Minogue vs Jason Nevins, and received its premiere on BBC Radio 1 on the Scott Mills Show, on the morning of 3 October.^[41]

"Touch Me Like That" was made available to purchase digitally, one week ahead of its physical CD release (26 November 2007). The single eventually hit the UK singles chart at a diasappointing #48.^[42]

Minogue released digital album Club Disco on 5 November 2007. The album includes several previously released singles, such as "You Won't Forget About Me", "Perfection" and "So Under Pressure". Also included is cancelled single "I Can't Sleep At Night" and a cover of the disco classic "He's The Greatest Dancer". The album has another cover, a chilled out version of "Xanadu". Club Disco charted at no 2 on the Uk dance album charts and no 1 in Australia on the dance album charts .

2008: Fully-fledged TV Star

In 2008, Club Disco was released as a double album in Australia. "Touch Me Like That" was added to the tracklisting while "Do you believe me now?" was removed from the album. The second disc featured selected remixes from the album singles.

In April 2008, Minogue was hired as the headline performer, Australian Fashion Week.^[43] In particular she was booked to make an appearance as the opening party hosted by MAC Cosmetics.

Following the cancelled release of the "Xanadu" single in June, 2008, it has been confirmed that Minogue will indeed begin the recording of her next studio album. It's described as "a blast of pop and dance", the album will be the next after "Club Disco" in 2007 to endure a full commercial release. The album is due for release in early to mid-2009.

Dannii also returned to British television in August 2008 as a judge on The X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole who replaced Sharon Osbourne. Following the initial auditions and Boot Camp stages of the competition, Minogue was assigned the Over 25s category to mentor.^[44] She chose Daniel Evans, Rachel Hylton and Ruth Lorenzo as her final three contestants for the series.

On the 20 September, Dannii presented the Nickelodeon UK Kids' Choice Awards 2008 ceremony.^[45]

On the 23rd of November, during a live broadcast of The X Factor, Dannii broke down in tears and couldn't introduce one of her acts, Rachel Hylton. After Rachel's performance, it was revealed that fellow judge Louis Walsh had been the root cause of Dannii's tears having publically accused her of 'stealing' a song for Rachel to sing that he wanted for one of his acts JLS. That week, Louis had gone to the press and called Dannii "heartless" and that she should be sacked. Simon Cowell twice came to Dannii's defence, once in the main live show and then again in the ITV2 extra show, where he accused Louis of being childish. Simon went on to say Dannii was perfectly within her rights to choose whatever song she felt was best for her artist. Insiders believe Dannii's emotional moment on the show was the result of the unwarranted media backlash that had afflicted her since the arrival of Cheryl Cole on the show. Many fans of The X Factor flooded various online communities calling for Louis to be sacked or to make a public apology to Dannii. Simon ordered him to apologise live on air, but Dannii snubbed Louis' attempt at apologising.

Personal life

Relationships

In January 1994, Minogue married Australian actor Julian McMahon, whom she met in 1991 while working on the television series Home and Away.^[46] Minogue and McMahon were married for less than two years and divorced in 1995. Referring to the divorce, Minogue said that it was her "biggest regret and biggest downfall".^[47] In October 1995, Minogue posed nude in the Australian edition of Playboy magazine. Commenting on the reason she posed nude, Minogue said she "just had a marriage break-up. Most women go to the hairdressers - I did Playboy. I chose the photographer, the location, what I did or didn't want to wear and everything else about the pictures. I found it a really liberating, empowering experience."^[48] The edition featuring Minogue sold out in under four days and became one of the best-selling editions in Australia.^[9]

In October 1999, Minogue became engaged to Canadian Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve, but their relationship ended in 2001.^[49] In early 2002, she began dating music producer and Bros bassist Craig Logan, whom she met while recording material for Neon Nights. Media reports in March 2002 claimed Minogue and Logan were engaged,^[50] but in December 2002, it was announced that they had ended their relationship.^[51]

She is now dating English rugby player Kris Smith.

Controversies

In 2002, the British National Party, a far right and anti-immigration political party, claimed that Minogue supported their cause following comments she had made in an interview with Britain's GQ magazine. In the interview, Minogue was quoted saying that French National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen had "struck a chord with people", and that "even the street signs [in Australia] are written in Asian".^[52] Minogue responded to the British National Party's claims in Gay Times magazine saying, "I am not a racist. That is not how I live my life. I have a Jewish manager, I perform in gay clubs, I come from a multi-cultural background and I am very proud of that".^[53]

In February 2006, Minogue made headlines again when surveillance tape stills from London strip club Puss 'N Boots were published by News Of The World, a British tabloid newspaper, showing Minogue and a female lap dancer in full-contact sexual activity.^[54] A spokesman for Minogue downplayed the event and called it a "harmless girls' night out".^[55]

Media portrayal and other activities

Throughout her career, Minogue has often been compared to her more commercially successful sister, Kylie Minogue. She has struggled to find respect from critics and is often portrayed as a "wannabe" by the media.^[56] Referring to the comparison, Minogue said "it is hard to be compared all the time to Kylie. On the other hand, however, people will always try to compare you to somebody. Look at Britney and Christina."^[4]

Minogue has performed multiple times at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the London nightclub G-A-Y.^[57] She credits her gay following for much of her success, commenting that gay culture has "always been a part of [her] music."^[4] Minogue openly supports gay rights causes for social equality and believes that same-sex marriages should be accepted by all government bodies.^[4]

Minogue is an ambassador for the Terrence Higgins Trust, an organization that works to increase awareness of AIDS. She joined the charity in hope that her endorsement would encourage people to discuss safe sex and the disease more openly.^[5] In 2004, she posed nude, wrapped only in a red ribbon, to promote World AIDS Day in Australia and the UK.^[5] She has long been a supporter of breast cancer research and, in August 2008 became an ambassador for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal.^[58]

Discography

Main article: Dannii Minogue discography

Other credits

Awards and recognition

References

External links

• Official website
• Dannii Minogue at the Internet Movie Database