Sophie Ellis-Bextor has hit back at critics after her New Year’s Eve show was labelled “cringe” by some. The Queen of Disco delivered a dazzling performance on Tuesday evening, entertaining BBC One audiences as they welcomed the new year.
Throughout the night, the 45 year old singer belted out several of her greatest hits and covered classic songs from artists including Madonna. In 2024, Sophie saw a significant comeback, partly due to Barry Keoghan’s viral naked dance scene in the film Saltburn, which featured her famous track.
While many have lauded her performances, there were those who dismissed it as “cringe” and likened her act to a “karaoke night.”
Nevertheless, Sophie seems unfazed by the negative remarks, expressing her enjoyment of filming the pre-recorded show before the New Year festivities, as she was performing live in Times Square, New York, on the actual night. On Instagram, the “Murder on The Dancefloor” hitmaker posted a series of photos from the event, adding the caption: “So so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1. What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night.”
“Huge thank you to my guests @jessieware @jakeshears @emilyrobertsguitarist who really brought the party – what a treat to have them on stage with me! – and I loved my finale with the @mdlsingers.”, reports the Mirror.
She added: “Special thanks to @victoriajayneadcock for styling – we had a blast dreaming up the looks and then Victoria went the extra mile to make them come true, and thanks to @lisalaudat1 for my hair and makeup.”
“I’ve seen many a new year in with the @bbc on as Big Ben chimes so I really see it as the biggest honour my band and I got to ring in 2025 with whoever was watching. If that was you, thank you. It’s on @bbciplayer now if you fancy it, too. Big thank you to the amazing @bbcstudios team who captured the show and created a world for us to do what we do. I loved the set, the lighting… Director @lizclaretv did such a brilliant job and the whole crew were so supportive and excited which only made us more excited too! The whole thing has been a really special experience.”
(Image: BBC)
The comment section of Sophie’s post was filled with praise, with one follower writing: “Like a Prayer was amazing! ” A second penned: “You were AMAZING! Best New Year’s show in years! Icon.”
“You brought the party – the tinsel! The high kicks! What a way to being in a (hopefully better) year,” gushed another.
Scissors Sisters star Jake Shears, who performed alongside Sophie, enthused: “Thanks for having me I had the best time! ” However, while Sophie received her fair share of accolades from fans, some detractors took to social media – the platform formerly known as Twitter – to air their grievances. One critic expressed: “What on earth is happening with the @BBCOne #NewYear show. Poor Sophie-Ellis Bextor can’t even keep up with her own songs, a breathless mess. Just lip-sync and then you can at least nail the stage presence… this is cringe! ” Another disappointed viewer said: “This Sophie Ellis-Bextor performance on the BBC wouldn’t be out of place in the local on karaoke Thursdays. Absolute pony,” And yet another added: “Maybe I’m getting old but I can see why folk who stay in on NYE go to bed if the TV offerings are Sophie Ellis-Bextor or Jools Holland,” indicating dissatisfaction with the New Year’s Eve television entertainment.