Pop princess Kylie Minogue took her electric performance at Sydney WorldPride to another level when she was joined by her mystery guest — and sister — Dannii on Friday night.
Minogue headlined the official opening, which also included a number of high-energy local and international acts, including English singer-songwriter Charli XCX, Jessica Mauboy and Western Sydney artist collective House of Slé.
Despite the disco and party vibes, organisers also made sure the rebellious roots of Mardi Gras were acknowledged, along with those who have been at the forefront in the fight for LGBT+ rights.
Indigenous performers, Yorta Yorta woman and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, and music duo Electric Fields opened the night's festivities to a 20,000-strong crowd.
It was the fourth time that Kylie had taken part in Mardi Gras celebrations, kicking off her set with her 2000 hit Spinning Around.
In between other favourites such as Your Disco Needs You and Can't Get You out My Head, she reminisced with the audience about her last appearance in 1994.
"Your energy and being here with you tonight is so amazing," she said.
"And just hearing you like that, it takes me back to many occasions, but back to 1994 — it was a lot sweatier than this, though."
She capped off the night with a costume change into thigh-high boots and a blue-lace sheer dress before being joined on stage by Dannii, who was wearing the same but in pink, for a duet of All the Lovers.
In one of the highlights, presenter Courtney Act donned her "queer-tinted glasses" to question "how straight" the history is that gets taught in schools.
"The ancient Egyptians were cross-dressing and the Greeks were not outdone," she sang.
"Socrates and Plato, Da Vinci he would prance … Look a little closer, all the evidence appears, we've been here all along."
Robyn Kennedy, one of the original 1978ers, joined Australia's 2022 representative at Eurovision, Sheldon Riley and a choir, in an homage to the history of gay rights.
The head of Sydney WorldPride, Kate Wickett, said it was a celebration of the past 50 years of pride in Australia and 45 years of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
"We have come a long way since that rich history, since our 1978ers, that we give you and show you the power to a new generation."
Jessica Mauboy ramped up the party atmosphere, dazzling in an all-pink ensemble as she belted out her Eurovision hit We Got Love, before English hyperpop star Charlie XCX gave a shout-out to the "queer community who have kept my career alive".
"I owe everything I have to all of you," she said.
Singer Katie Perry posted a video message saying she was happy for the celebration of life and love.
Kesha, the Wiggles and the first openly gay Olympian, Matthew Mitcham, were also among the identities wishing Sydney a happy WorldPride.
Before the concert started, revellers had been waiting since 3pm when The Domain opened its doors.
They were entertained by lip-syncing competitions, drag dances and cheer leaders.
Vrushub and friends travelled from Melbourne and Canberra, and for him it was all about Kylie Minogue and Jessica Mauboy.
"I just vibe with their music. It's great to have a lot more diversity and diverse events around," he said.
