Sophie Ellis-Bextor: From Saltburn to a Record-Breaking 110 Gigs in 2024
In 2024, Sophie Ellis-Bextor broke personal records with an incredible 110 live performances, outpacing even Taylor Swift’s 83 shows for the year. The reason for her booming popularity? The film Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, which featured Barry Keoghan's unforgettable dance to Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit, Murder on the Dancefloor.
Viral Success of "Murder on the Dancefloor"
Released on Amazon Prime on December 22, 2023, Saltburn reignited global interest in Ellis-Bextor's iconic track. By January 5, 2024, the song had surged back into the top 10 charts, spending five weeks at number two, only trailing Noah Kahan’s Stick Season.
Reflecting on this unexpected revival, Ellis-Bextor said, "It was extraordinary to see streaming numbers go crazy over Christmas. It felt like an old friend taking me for another twirl."
Breaking New Ground in the US
The renewed success catapulted the singer into the American spotlight. At 45, Sophie Ellis-Bextor achieved her first Billboard Top 100 hit, made her US TV debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and embarked on a headlining US tour.
Her newfound fame also earned her performances at prestigious events, including the BAFTA Film Awards, Glastonbury’s Park Stage, and even the Royal Variety Show for King Charles.
A Spectacular New Year's Eve Concert
Rehearsing under the UK’s largest disco ball, the singer shared her excitement: "New Year’s Eve is such a big deal, and I want to create the ultimate party. We’ve got all the disco balls—a monopoly of them!"
Her setlist included hits like Take Me Home, Music Gets the Best of Me, and the timeless Groovejet, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Of course, Murder on the Dancefloor took center stage, paired with a little Auld Lang Syne.
Special Guests and Nostalgia
To make the night even more special, Ellis-Bextor invited friends and collaborators, including Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters and Jessie Ware, for duets of disco classics like Take Your Mama and Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.
She also reflected on her indie beginnings with the band theaudience, performing A Pessimist is Never Disappointed during her US tour. "It’s incredible to revisit these songs and bring them to new audiences," she shared.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With her 20th wedding anniversary on the horizon and a renewed global following, Sophie Ellis-Bextor shows no signs of slowing down. Her story is one of reinvention, proving that even after two decades, she can still dominate the dancefloor.