Brits tuning into the BBC’s New Year’s Eve show were left disappointed by Sophie Ellis Bextor’s ‘awkward’ performance. The singer, 45, was ringing in 2025 with a host of special guests but some viewers dubbed the show ‘cringe.’
She was joined by a number of musical guests for her BBC ’s New Year’s Eve concert including: Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, The Last Dinner Party guitarist Emily Roberts and gospel choir the MDL Singers. The star performed her hits as well as a few surprise numbers for the show titled Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Disco.
But some fans were left less than impressed by what they saw, The Mirror reports. One took to X to say: “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: “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.”
While a third said: “Who booked Sophie Ellis Bexter for Nee Year’s Eve on BBC One???? She has 1 song of her own & murdered everyone else’s. Painful karaoke voice.”
However, some people praised the singer’s performance. “I’ve never really known much about Sophie Ellis Bextor’s music, but this NYE concert is epic,” one person wrote.
Another fan penned: “Why are so many Brits so f*cking miserable, jealous and rude? Slagging off the glittering and glamorous Sophie Ellis-Bextor as she discos into 2025. Cheer up you miserable losers!!! And happy New Year.”
“The way I love that Sophie Ellis Bextor has had a massive resurgence & has the whole world acknowledging her music,” another said. They added: “Bringing in the New Year while she throws a massive disco party on is definitely how want to be stepping into 2025!”
Sophie said ahead of the special: “I always love a party and I immediately think of sparkles, singing and dancing for a New Year’s Eve celebration, and that’s what I’ll be bringing with me for my BBC One performance this New Year! The band and I can’t wait, and we have some special surprises planned.
“I’m so honoured to have been asked to bid a fond farewell to 2024 with you all, and to welcome in an exciting 2025 together. Get your disco shoes ready! I’ll be wearing mine…”