Sophie Ellis Bextor’s New Year’s Eve TV special on the BBC received mixed reviews, with some viewers describing the show as ‘breathless, awkward and cringe. ‘ While some fans enjoyed the disco-themed special and commended the pop star for bringing the party to the occasion, others were less impressed, voicing their opinions on X.
The singer was joined by several 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 45 year old Groovejet singer performed her hits along with a few surprise numbers for the show titled Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Disco, reports the Mirror.
One viewer commented: “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.”
“Who booked Sophie Ellis Bexter for New Year’s Eve on BBC One? She has 1 song of her own and murdered everyone else’s. Painful karaoke voice,” another complained. However, others praised the pop star.
One wrote: “I’ve never really known much about Sophie Ellis Bextor’s music, but this NYE concert is epic! One fan jumped to Sophie’s defence, saying: “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.
“Others showed support for the star, with a poll to have your say available HERE. A fan praised the BBC’s booking, saying: “The way I love that Sophie Ellis Bextor has had a massive resurgence and has the whole world acknowledging her music tho. Bringing in the New Year while she throws a massive disco party on is definitely how want to be stepping into 2025.”
Ahead of the special, Sophie stated: “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…”
Last year, Rick Astley celebrated the arrival of 2024 alongside Sharleen Spiteri, Rylan and The House Gospel Choir. Previous New Year’s Eve performers include Eurovision singer Sam Ryder, band Years And Years, US music star Alicia Keys and RandB singer Craig David. In October, Ellis-Bextor announced her largest UK headline tour yet.
At the end of 2023, her hit song, Murder On The Dancefloor, saw a resurgence after being featured in Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she garnered a new audience with her lockdown kitchen disco performances, encouraging people to sing and dance in their own kitchens while she live-streamed from home with her family.
The celebrations will continue after BBC One broadcasts the London fireworks display live. The singer will start her celebrations earlier in the day with Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Kitchen Disco on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 12-2pm.