slowdown and dance with.me.uk

Thursday, March 25, 2004 Posted: 4:28 PM EST (2128 GMT)

Minogue keeps fans coming into her world

(CNN) -- Kylie Minogue has long been Australia's pop queen, selling millions
of albums around the world.

Minogue's ninth album, "Body Language," recorded in England, Ireland and
Spain, was released in November, and its first single, "Slow," debuted at
No. 1 in Australia and the United Kingdom.

"I think Australians are down to earth," Minogue told The Music Room's
Amanda Palmer. "We have a good work ethic, and that can only be helpful in
this industry."

Her strong Aussie work ethic has helped Minogue sell almost 40 million
albums in a 17-year career that was crowned this year with a Grammy for best
dance recording for "Come Into My World."

Minogue said she could never have guessed where her early talent show
performances on TV would lead her.

"I saw some old footage recently and -- once I got over the initial shock of
the outfit -- I'm looking at myself at 18 years of age and just thinking,
'If I could tell that young girl what she's going to experience, not just in
her career but in life ...'

"I mean, I was so bright-eyed and open to all kinds of opportunity. It was
heart-warming to see it. I felt quite proud that gosh, yeah I've done OK."

Leading the way

Minogue said her idol, Olivia Newton-John, helped to pave the way for her.

"I was Olivia Newton-John in my lounge room for sure. I guess at the time,
without even knowing it, she was a massive, massive influence," Minogue
said. "And do you know, she's still amazing. She came to see my show in
Sydney, and I was a bit nervous thinking, 'Oh, Olivia Newton-John's here!' "

Minogue in turn has helped lead the way for another group of Australian
singers.

Like Minogue, newcomer Delta Goodrem got her start on the Aussie TV soap
opera "Neighbours," a show that also launched Natalie Imbruglia and Holly
Valance.

Goodrem, 19, seems to be heir apparent to Minogue's pop crown, with a
million-selling debut album and seven Australian Music Awards.

Minogue said Goodrem's "fantastic songs" and "personable character" were
partly responsible for her success.

"To see someone coming through their own way, I think she's a great role
model, and her demographics are incredible," Minogue said. "She certainly
crosses the border."

At 35, with 40 hit singles to her name, Minogue has demographics that are
just as impressive.

"I find myself on a Saturday morning kids show -- which are extremely
important, you have to do them -- and I think to myself, 'My God, I've
actually done this show 80 times.'

"Yeah, I'm proud to be my age and do what I do, and to be honest I get a lot
more enjoyment out of it now than I used to anyway."

Minogue added, "The more aware I am, the more I understand the challenge,
which before I was probably oblivious to it and you just kind of skip on and
do it.

"So it becomes more difficult in some ways but if you know how to get by and
try to do the best job that you can, ultimately the rewards are better."

CNN's Neil Curry and Ayesha Lawrence contributed to this report.