Kylie Minogue Pushes Back on Ageism, Fixation on Love Life

"Padam Padam" pop star Kylie Minogue, 55, whose new album "Tension" is scoring big among critics and fans alike, decried ageism and a fixation on her love life in new interviews, and declared that she has no intention of forsaking catsuits and sexy looks.

In comments with People Magazine, Minogue talked about how "Tension" was an album with no "overarcing theme," and admitted that before starting work on "Tension" she "didn't even know I was going to fully commit to another album." But, Minogue added, "The turning point for the album was when my A&R and I decided there's no theme. I remember him saying to me, 'Just go in and have fun. – as long as it's not boring,' and I don't think it's boring."

Critics and fans alike seem to agree, lauding "Tension" and turning the album's title track into an instant hit single – a success that follows Minogue's "Padam Padam," which was hailed as the "song of the summer" upon its release and proved a huge hit with her gay fans.

Along with her success – which some have called a "comeback" – Minogue addressed the way the internet obsesses over her romantic life, UK newspaper the Daily Mail noted, reporting that Minogue "wishes people would 'accept' her relationship status as she revealed that she is fed up with people asking about her love life."

The Mail added that Minogue "is currently single after a five-year romance with magazine chief Paul Solomons, 48, ended earlier this year," and added that she's of the mind that "it would be great to move on from the 'she's lucky in love, she's unlucky in love,' because it's just not that simple."

Minogue theorized that the fascination with her love life is "driven by [how] we all love a bit of gossip."

Perhaps – but Minogue also remains a sex symbol. The video for "Padam Padam," which was the lead single for the new album, featured Minogue in a form-fitting scarlet catsuit, which prompted some to say that the 55-year-old icon should dress more "age appropriately," the Daily Mail relayed. But Minogue "vow[ed] she'll never tone down her racy outfits," the outlet added.

Minogue told UK newspaper The Sun that she wouldn't go to the local supermarket wearing "thigh boots and a catsuit, but in Popland that is me" – in part because such wardrobe stylings take her out of her comfort zone.

"Even I have to go, 'What? A red catsuit?'" Minogue said. "'OK, I will try it.'"

That willingness to dare may be the secret to Minogue's enduring career. As she told People Mag, "I remember a few years ago being in a lot of interview situations where I would be asked, 'What age do you think it is still OK to be in pop music, or to be sexy in pop?' It was really awkward, and I felt like I had to justify my presence there."

Her experience as a 55-year-old artist mirrors, in some way, when she was first starting out in pop music. Minogue, a child actor, broke through to success as a singer when she was barely 19. As a young artist, the Australian songstress recalled to People Mag, "I had to fight to be heard or just occupy my space."

Added Minogue: "I'm really proud to be representing this moment, and guess what? The earth didn't cave in, and everyone's having a great time. This is the age I am. What can I do?"