KYLIE: THE DOCUMENTARY

Netflix Images/Ventureland

21 May 2026

Joshua Magazzu

Kylie Minogue has released her highly anticipated Netflix documentary, KYLIE, offering fans a look into her extraordinary life and career. This three-part documentary delves deeply into the pop icon’s journey, chronicling her humble beginnings in Australia, her meteoric rise to fame, and the challenges she has faced in both her personal and professional life. Minogue has been asked for many years to make a documentary about her life, but she felt now was the right time, and I couldn’t agree more.

The documentary first delves into Minogue’s early career and how it all came about, tracing her path from a television actress on the popular soap opera ‘Neighbours’ to a global superstar with chart-topping hits. Archival footage and personal anecdotes from friends and family provide context for her determination and work ethic, setting the stage for her breakthrough in the music industry. We see all the trials and tribulations that Minogue went through to get where she is today.

As the documentary continues, we get an inside look into her relationship with the late Michael Hutchence, which was really intriguing, as she had kept most of it guarded for many years. Throughout the series, viewers are treated to exclusive interviews with Minogue herself and other familiar faces, including Pete Waterman, Nick Cave, Jason Donovan, and her sister, Dannii Minogue. We are also treated to a plethora of archival footage. A lover's dream.

However, amongst all the glamour, the documentary does not shy away from addressing the obstacles she has encountered, including her battle with cancer in 2005, and, to the shock of fans, a second cancer diagnosis in 2021. You could hear a pin drop in my lounge room when this moment aired in the last 10 minutes of the documentary. A shockwave ran through my body. Thankfully, Kylie is okay now after an early catch. She details how the song “Story” from her 2023 album Tension was her way of processing and coping with the diagnosis when she wasn’t ready to tell anyone. For many lovers, this song was already special, but now it takes on a whole new meaning.

We get to hear the track Minogue made for the documentary at the end, titled “Light Up.” A fun, uplifting song that feels like the cherry on top of this entire moment in time for Minogue. Written with Chris Martin from Coldplay, you can feel that positive energy radiate not only through the lyrics but also through the production. Minogue stated the song is for her mother, who has stood by her side through every high and low, as seen in the documentary. It was speculated that this was the lead single off her next album; however, it fits perfectly as a standalone droplet, with a special meaning.

Ultimately, KYLIE is more than just a documentary about a pop star: it is an inspiring story of perseverance and transformation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan who has been on this journey for 40 years or a newcomer, it’s a reminder that behind every sequin is a story, behind every chorus a survivor’s heart. And as the credits roll, I found myself giving Minogue a standing ovation and a round of applause in my living room, with tears streaming down my face as I cheer for the woman who taught me to keep spinning around, no matter how tough the dance floor gets.

Thankyou Kylie, for being part of my story.

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️