Things haven’t always been easy for her. She’s weathered the death of former lover Michael Hutchence (who once notoriously described his favourite pastime as “corrupting Kylie”) and a very public brush with cancer. During her days with the hit factory Stock, Aitken and Waterman, she was savaged by some music critics, with one describing her songs as “majestically awful”.

By 1990, having taken control of her own career, Kylie began to present as a sophisticated and sensual performer. Subsequently she’s worked with artists as diverse as Nick Cave, The Manic Street Preachers, Robbie Williams and the Pet Shop Boys; appeared on Doctor Who; and been awarded an Order of the British Empire by the Queen for her services to music. Throughout it all, Kylie has been one of the gay community’s greatest icons.

She celebrated her impending 40th with a pre-birthday bash in Athens last Thursday.

“Everyone was invited - people from the tour, her record label, her management, and even the catering staff,” reported the Sunday Mirror newspaper.

Happy birthday, Kylie.

IMAGES:
In 1987, Kylie’s character, Charlene, married Scott (real life boyfriend Jason Donovan) on the hit soap, Neighbours. Photo: Grundy Organisation

Kylie performs ‘Dancing Queen’ at the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Photo: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

2001, and Australia’s Queen of Pop kicks off the first show of her On A Night Like This tour tonight at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Photo: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Melbourne, 2002: Kylie heats things up on her Fever tour. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Kylie poses with the French actor Olivier Martinez in Monaco, in early 2003. The two were together for four years, separating in 2007. Photo: AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau

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