Tue, March 17, 2009
Kylie Minogue returned to her hometown of Melbourne over the weekend for Australia's largest ever fund-raising concert for victims of the bushfires.
The singer was cheered on by an 80,000 strong crowd - which included her sister, X Factor judge Dannii - as she took to the stage at Sound Relief held at the city's MCG.
A heartfelt message and her moving rendition of the nation's unofficial anthem I Still Call Australia Home, brought many fans to tears as they remembered the 210 people killed by the Victorian fires, the worst in Australia's history.
During her performance, which was broadcast simultaneously at a concert at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Kylie said: 'I'm so thankful I can make it home tonight and share this with all of you.
'There's a thing we talk about a lot which is the Australian spirit and I believe that it's in evidence tonight all around the country.
'And as someone that's recognised around the world, I travel everywhere and that's what people see in Australians.
'I don't have a band, I don't have dancers, in fact there ain't one feather on me tonight.
'But I thought this could actually be my biggest gig ever if you are all prepared - and all of you in Sydney and all of you around the world - are prepared to sing with me.'
Kylie lead some of the biggest names in Australian music, both past and present, as they turned out to raise money for the victims of the fires, including the 10,000 who were left homeless.
The concerts raised an estimated £2.3million (A$5 million) to help rebuild residences destroyed in the blaze.
Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Grease star Olivia Newton-John performed a duet while Midnight Oil reformed for the night.
Princes William and Harry relayed a message of support on giant screens while American band Kings of Leon and British group Coldplay, currently on tour in the country, also turned out for the show.
Lead singer Chris Martin said: 'Today's the only day in the world when we can claim to be honorary Australians.' Mail Online reported.
