There was a lot of hype about Kylie Minogue’s appearance at this year’s Mardi Gras party in Sydney.

In many ways a home-coming, this was a unique opportunity for Minogue to celebrate a milestone in her career and demonstrate her connection to the world’s gays and lesbians who have been loyal supporters since the beginning.

There had been a special tribute float in the parade earlier this evening (complete with representations of each of Minogue’s iconic outfits and a lot of dancers) and the buzz amongst party-goes had all been about Minogue’s performance: What numbers would she sing? What would she be wearing? How many back-up dancers would there be?

Minogue knows her audience well and was met with a rapturous reception as she took to the stage.

With a beaming smile thoughout, the diminutive singer belted out her latest hits and threw in a few classics. There were back-up dancers a-plenty and Minogue was clearly enjoying herself as she flirted with the adoring crowd.

Minogue eventually left the stage but left the Mardi Gras revelers on a high. An amazing night.