It seems like it was only yesterday when a sweet-looking petite blonde from Melbourne jumped straight out of the telly and started her music career to the sound of a steam locomotive. Actually, that happened in 1987, the year when Kylie Minogue became the sweetheart not only of her native Australia, but the UK and most of Europe thanks to her starring role on the soap opera “Neighbours” and the release of her debut 7″ single, a Hi-NRG cover of Little Eva’s “The Locomotion”.

Just like Britney Spears, her transformation from ‘wholesome girl next door’ to ‘pop video vixen’ was witnessed in front of the eyes of millions, but unlike Spears, Kylie got through that without the deadbeat husbands and the nervous breakdowns. Instead, she remained a classy and highly successful lady (more than 68 million albums sold worldwide can testify to that!), who thriumphly defeated breast cancer and is regarded to this day as an icon to both gays and fashionistas.

In true Kylie style, a milestone like being on top of her game for 25 years is not something she’s going to take lightly. She’s currently working on a new compilation featuring re-worked versions of her countless hits, most of them recorded on London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. The first take is an emotional rendition of her 1992 single “Finer Feelings”, accompanied by female vocalists and an orchestra of 24 musicians directed by Cliff Masterson. Throughout 2012, the rest of the tunes will be available on her newly-revamped official website, kylie.com

The celebration doesn’t stop there, as she recently confirmed she’ll be a headlining act on this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, her first appearance on the event since 1994. The organizers are expected to honor the singer with a specially-crafted K25 float, paying homage to her career and her support to Australia’s LGBT community. With the surprise element in hand, Miss Minogue is sure to heat things up and wow her faithful audience.

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