Glasgow 2014: Kylie Minogue to play Games finale

Kylie Minogue performs in London earlier this year. The pop star is set to headline the Commonwealth Games' closing ceremony. Picture: Getty

The Australian singer will take to the stage at the closing ceremony at the revamped Hampden next month in what represents a populist move by the organisers of Glasgow 2014, it was reported yesterday.

The 46-year-old, best known for hits such as Spinning Around and Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, is scheduled to perform a five-song set as part of the celebrations in the 44,000-capacity arena, with an estimated global television audience of around one billion people.

It is understood the choice of Minogue is seen by organisers as a good way of linking Glasgow with the host of the 2018 Games: Australia’s Gold Coast.

It is believed her booking for the Glasgow 2014 ceremony on 3 August followed negotiations with her management company, Roc Nation.

Minogue’s long-time creative partner, William Baker, is understood to be involved in designing the set and costumes for her performance.

Minogue last performed on stage in Glasgow at the SECC in 2011, but she is due to play the city’s Hydro venue in November as part of her UK tour.

A source said: “Kylie was delighted when her management pulled off such a high-profile concert. Although she’s huge in the UK, she’s never managed to crack the global status like Beyoncé. But if there’s one thing she can do, it’s put on a show.

“Glasgow is putting some serious cash into this event – for Kylie to be part of it shows great faith she is still an A-list star.”

The reports were widely welcomed by the singer’s fans on social networking sites. Writing on Twitter, @WayneQOriginal told Minogue: “Can’t wait to see you ROCK the Glasgow Commonwealth games #ClosingCeremony! Whoop!!!”

@smolander_anna said: “Kylie set to close Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month. Brilliant news! Pop princess returns to UK! Xx.”

With details of both the closing ceremony and the opening ceremony at Celtic Park a closely guarded secret, there has been little information until now as to what organisers are planning, and yesterday they remained tight-lipped.

An initial idea to demolish Glasgow’s notorious Red Road flats as part of the opening ceremony was scrapped after a public backlash.

Along with the main show at Celtic Park, a concert is being held at Glasgow Green on 23 July, the day of the opening ceremony. It will be headlined by Lulu and feature acts such as Eddi Reader, James Grant, Rab Noakes and Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire.

The same evening, Glasgow band Belle and Sebastian will headline another opening ceremony celebration at the revamped bandstand in Kelvingrove Park, in the West End of the city.

A spokesman for Glasgow 2014 said: “The opening and closing ceremonies of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will deliver a dynamic and vibrant experience of both Glasgow and Scotland which reflects our cultural legacy and surprises and inspires those in the stadium and an anticipated global audience of more than one billion people.”