Sophie Ellis-Bextor has hit back after her New Year’s Eve show was labelled “cringe” by some viewers. The Queen of Disco delivered a dazzling performance on Tuesday evening, helping BBC One audiences welcome the new year with open arms.
Throughout the night, the 45-year-old singer belted out a medley of her greatest hits and covered legendary songs from artists including Madonna. In 2024, Sophie saw a massive comeback, partly due to Barry Keoghan’s viral nude dance scene in the film Saltburn, which featured her famous track.
While many showered her with compliments, there were those who criticised the show, likening it to a “karaoke night.” Nonetheless, Sophie seemed unfazed by the negative remarks, discussing the joy she experienced while filming the pre-recorded programme before heading off to perform live at Times Square in New York as the clock struck midnight.
On Instagram, the star of ‘Murder on The Dancefloor’ fame posted several 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.”
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.”
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. Scissor Sisters star Jake Shears, who performed two songs alongside Sophie, expressed his delight: “Thanks for having me I had the best time!”
However, despite numerous compliments for Sophie, some detractors flocked to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their discontent. One person critiqued: “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 added their scathing review: “This Sophie Ellis-Bextor performance on the BBC wouldn’t be out of place in the local on karaoke Thursdays. Absolute pony,” while yet another remarked: “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,”.
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