Source: AAP August 26, 2009

SHE was once labelled the singing budgie, but Kylie Minogue has beaten sports stars, media moguls and even the prime minister in a survey of Australia’s most powerful personal brands.

Some 400 people in the marketing/entertainment industry were asked to rate famous Australians according to how well developed their brand and brand awareness are.

Minogue topped the Talent Inc! Personal Brand survey, with a brand based on her music and acting, her perfume and underwear ventures, and her good looks and integrity.

“I think what makes Kylie number one is overall she appeals to a broad stream of people,” Mark Richardson from Talent Inc! said.

“Although she’s had ups and downs in terms of her albums, and especially in her … love life and her health, she’s always managed those things with grace and integrity.

“Over a period of time it’s given her brand a real strength and value.”

Coming in at second place is supermodel Elle Macpherson, who has her own lingerie label and skincare products.

Cricketer Shane Warne, personality Dame Edna Everage and golfer Greg Norman rounded out the top five.

Richardson said Warne was one of many sports people who made the list for their reputation off the field and as well as on.

“Because of his extraordinary genius on the pitch, he will always be revered,” Richardson said.

“The indiscretions he had are kind of idiotic, they’re kind of stupid, not malicious. Ben Cousins’ indiscretions are far more damaging than Shane’s.”

Steve Irwin, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman also ranked in the top 10, while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and entrepreneur Dick Smith came in at number nine and 10.

Despite being our highest paid entertainers, The Wiggles only ranked at 18, while Aussie icon Ned Kelly came in at 34.

Richardson said among the survey’s general findings were that if you’re a man you don’t have to be attractive to have a powerful personal brand, but being a good looking as a woman helps.

Being famous internationally also seemed to boost your ranking.

Richardson said many of the people with the most powerful personal brands were involved in a range of activities, such as Elle MacPherson and Greg Norman.

“It’s important that there’s balance there and they’re seen as well-rounded,” he said.

“But more importantly that there’s some integrity there.”

Australia’s top 20 strongest personal brands:

1. Kylie Minogue

2. Elle Macpherson

3. Shane Warne

4. Dame Edna Everage

5. Greg Norman

6. Steve Irwin

7. Hugh Jackman

8. Nicole Kidman

9. Kevin Rudd

10. Dick Smith

11. Cate Blanchett

12. Jennifer Hawkins

13. Eddie McGuire

14. Paul Hogan

15. Rupert Murdoch

16. Bert Newton

17. Pat Rafter

18. The Wiggles

19. Cathy Freeman

20. Megan Gale

Source: http://instinctmagazine.com 18 August 2009

Pop Goddess KYLIE MINOGUE talks EXCLUSIVELY with Instinct Magazine about coming to America and why she’s more ready than ever to make you dance!

There are two types of gays in the world: Kylie gays and everyone else. We are so Kylie gays. Ms. Minogue has held the world’s attention for 20 plus years now; dancing, singing, acting and shocking millions along the way. Whether you remember her “Locomotion” or just couldn’t seem to shake “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head,” Kylie’s dozens of hits off her 10 albums have come to represent moments and memories for all of us. (Who doesn’t remember dancing to “Love At First Sight ” during Pride 2002?!) And whether at the Olympic Closing Ceremonies, Sydney Mardi Gras or her extravagant, over-the-top tours, it seems the whole world has gotten to see Kylie live— except for us. But that is all about to change. Now, as she prepares for her first-ever U.S. tour (which kicks off Sept. 30), Kylie speaks exclusively with Instinct about her dream of a hot, sweaty club tour through the States, ’80s flashbacks and her deep-rooted love and commitment to her gays.

INSTINCT: Our prayers have been answered—you’re finally touring America! How does it feel?

KYLIE: [Laughs] I’m so excited, it’s ridiculous. There is still a certain amount of disbelief because it’s really happening. I’ve spoken about this for so long and I was sure the fans in the States had given up, hadn’t you?

Oh no! We may have gotten a little weary, but we kept the faith. Had you tried to launch a U.S. tour before?

With my management and production team, we talked about it many times, but as you know, my shows are on the bigger side. They’re bigger girls. [Laughs] And it just was never feasible for us to do it. So I just ended up biting the bullet and saying, ‘It’s now or never.’ I’m having such a good time performing at the moment and the X tour last year was something of a revelation.

Why do you say that?

Because when I used to do performances, I might have exuded an air of confidence but I didn’t really have it. I spent a lot of time stressing and worrying and I couldn’t tour and actually be. Then after I was ill I reevaluated things and said I can’t go through that stress again. It’s not worth it. This is who I am and I’m going to try and have the same outcome without so much stress. So that’s what I did. I’m happy and I’m having a ball. I love my new band, there’s a dynamism.

Why now?

Literally I thought, it’s now or never. I want to do it and I don’t want to be making that move in 10 years. I was just on a bit of a roll with the team I have right now.

You’re doing smaller venues here than you normally do, so are you building a whole new show?

That’s been our one stumbling block. The venues are all totally different. I won’t bore you with the details but technically it’s really, really difficult. When we’ve had some stumbling blocks and complications I’ve piped up and said, ‘Oh, this is why we’ve never done this before.’ [Laughs] But we’re all so inspired to be doing this. We’re kind of back referencing some of the tours because I haven’t brought any of them to the States. So there will be bits and pieces, but I won’t tell you which parts. It’s a surprise.

For more, pick up the September Issue of Instinct Magazine & visit instinctmagazine.com for more web exclusive content

Source: Australian Associated Press August 13, 2009

POP princess Kylie Minogue has splashed out £450,000 ($890,383) on a luxury villa near the Spanish home owned by the parents of her model boyfriend Andres Velencoso Segura. The villa is in the Costa Brava resort town of Tossa de Mar, where Segura’s parents own a bar and restaurant.

Britain’s Daily Star newspaper today said the house purchase could indicate Minogue, 41, is ready to settle down with her 31-year-old lover.

“Buying in Tossa de Mar shows how serious Kylie is about him,” a source close to the singer told the newspaper.

Minogue began house hunting in Spain in April.

Source: Daily Mail Reporter August 2009

Kylie Minogue appears to be enjoying the Parisian lifestyle as she was spotted sporting a chic new hairdo. The Australian singer had her long hair cut into a shoulder-length, shiny and bouncing bob – and looked every inch as stylish as French first lady Carla Bruni. Kylie even appeared to have the warm, coppery tones of Ms Bruni’s style in recent weeks.

Fresh, fashionable and chic: Kylie Minogue showed off a bouncy new bob in Paris yesterday and looked delighted with her new cut

Kylie, who spent a large amount of time in Paris during her four-year romance with French actor Olivier Martinez, looked thrilled with the new cut as she left the Meurice Hotel, constantly running her hands through the style.

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