My Story:Dannii Minogue

Although no stranger to the spotlight, Danni Minogue’s big break in the UK came via the highly popular X Factor, joining a judging panel that included Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. Her assured performance throughout the series in 2007, despite the backroom antagonism, confirmed her place on Saturday night television and she became a household name in her own right. She will forever be known as Kylie’s little sister, there’s no getting away from that, but through sheer determination, intelligence and an unwavering confidence in front of the camera, Dannii Minogue had arrived.

Having spent a considerable amount of time in Australia, I have to confess I do have a soft spot for Ms Minogue and along with Simon Cowell; I look forward to her comments every Saturday night. So when Dannii:My Story landed on my desk earlier this week I jumped at the chance to delve deeper and discover the truth behind the headlines, her relationship with her sister and “that” infamous spat with Sharon Osbourne.

So where do I begin? The autobiography is an enlightening read, the narrative flows well and the story is very well told – a real page turner. The overriding feeling I had when I finished reading the book was one of satisfaction and a desire to spend time with the real Dannii – not the character portrayed so often by the media. I felt as if I came away knowing a little more about “the other Minogue” and how down to earth she came across. Not really a surprise to me, I never thought she was your stereotypical diva – she has more going for her than that. Available at Amazon Now

She charts her rise to fame, her music career, how she juggled her schoolwork, the Johnny Young talent school and her first big break in acting. Her confidence as a young teenager is frankly startling! Here she talks about how she called for a meeting with her Phys Ed teacher one day

“Sir I’d really like to talk to discuss something with you if that’s ok. Can we set up a meeting?”

They both sat down and Dannii continued:

“So here’s the deal I’m proposing. I get lots of exercise with all the dancing I do, and I’m happy to stick with the swimming, but other than that, if your lessons are going to involve me running in the opposite direction whenever a scary ball comes at me, then I’d be better off in the library working hard on all my other subjects to keep those grades as good as they are now, don’t you think? Fail me now at PE and call it a day.”

Dannii never played another ball game in school – job done!

As one would expect, her sister’s battle with breast cancer also features prominently, Dannii sharing the pain and discovery of the illness, it’s a rare and fascinating insight. We learn how her parents broke the news over the phone, how Kylie’s Showgirl tour was cancelled and the media scrum the family as a whole faced on a daily basis. An emotional chapter, the heartbreak is clear for all to see.

However for me, the most poignant section of the autobiography came when she wrote about Laura and how she lost her friend to a debilitating cancer. The very best of friends, Dannii struggled to come to terms with her death and the chapter charts the highs and lows of the special relationship and how her friends and family rallied.

When I first knew I’d get the chance to read this autobiography I was curious to read more on Sharon Osbourne saga. I should admit for fear of prejudice and favouritism I have never warmed to Osbourne. Frankly, I’ve never understood her popularity. I remember watching her vicious digs at Steve Brookstein in one series of X Factor – where was the professionalism? I digress!

Dannii speaks candidly about the reception she received from Osbourne in 2007 when she joined the series, how she came into her dressing room minutes before the first show and verbally attacked the diminutive Australian. Danni stood shell-shocked after receiving a barrage of insults until Osbourne left and immediately broke down in tears.

With no stone left unturned, “My Story” is a fascinating in-depth autobiography charting Dannii’s career as a child performer, Kylie’s sister, talent show judge and businesswoman. The public reaction she received following the Piers Morgan television interview gave her the confidence to put pen to paper and tell her story in her own words – this is the result, this is team Minogue.

Published by Simon & Schuster the book is now available from Amazon