In a historic moment for live performance, Kylie Minogue was formally inducted into the '21 Club' at London's O2 Arena – the first woman to ever be inducted in this way. The '21 Club' is an exclusive term given to live performers who have sold out 21 or more shows at the O2 Arena. Minogue was at the O2 for her latest release, the Tension Tour, and her run of shows pushed her sales total to 24 sold-out shows.
The total is significant not just for Minogue herself but also because it places her alongside some of the greatest entertainers of her generation and all time. But unlike the other inductees, Minogue's induction has a clear historic purpose for female performers as a whole.
A Legacy Cemented Alongside Music’s Greatest
The O2’s “21 Club” was created in 2007 in memory of the late Prince, who played and set the standard of 21 shows in a row at the venue. Since then, only a few others have been able to carry out the same feat:
- Michael Bublé
- Drake
- One Direction
- Take That
Whatever the reasoning behind it, whether it is because of the weight of the ‘21 Club’ or the fact that Kylie is our first female performer to join the ‘21 Club’, she is a great example that change is a long time coming. Kylie’s journey with O2 began in July 2008 when it first opened, and the fact that she is still able to fill arenas today demonstrates that her success transcends generations. More importantly, Kylie suggests that female performers can still utilize the same global stages as male performers.
Emotional Gratitude and Industry Praise
Naturally, Minogue was grateful and shared her excitement with fans online. “London, you know how much I love you already, but THIS was special,” she posted. “To be the first female headliner to make the club and join PRINCE!!! Wowwwwwww. THANK YOU.”
On the other hand, the industry was equally thrilled. Emma Bownes, Senior Vice President of Venue Programming at AEG Europe, praised Kylie as a phenomenon and a true icon. She added, “We couldn’t be happier that Kylie is the first female to do so. We’re beyond grateful she’s brought so many of her incredible tours here—and we hope there are many more to come.” After all, Kylie Minogue’s name now sits permanently in one of live music’s most celebrated spaces.
