Sophie Ellis-Bextor breaks silence after BBC New Year’s Eve performance blasted
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has responded to criticism of her BBC One New Year’s Eve performance after some viewers branded it an “awkward and breathless mess”.
The Murder On The Dancefloor hitmaker, 45, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share rave reviews of her NYE Disco special, which featured a medley of her hits.
While some social media users compared her singing to “karaoke night” and called the show “cringe”, others praised the performance as “world class” and an “absolute treat”.
The BBC One special saw Ellis-Bextor perform alongside several high-profile guests, including Jessie Ware and Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears.
The Last Dinner Party also joined her on stage as she delivered a selection of her biggest hits.
The show was part of the BBC’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular, which had been announced in November.
Speaking about the show when it was first revealed, Ellis-Bextor said: “I always love a party, and I immediately think of sparkles, singing and dancing for a New Year’s Eve celebration.”
“The band and I can’t wait, and we have some special surprises planned,” she had added.
Ellis-Bextor addressed the criticism in a lengthy Instagram post, expressing pride in hosting the BBC One special.
“So so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1. What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night,” she wrote.
The singer thanked her guests and production team, including her stylist Victoria Jayneadcock and the BBC Studios crew.
“I’ve seen many a new year in with the @bbc on as Big Ben chimes so I really see it as the biggest honour my band and I got to ring in 2025 with whoever was watching,” she added.
She praised director Liz Clare for doing “such a brilliant job” and described the experience as “really special”.
It comes after critics took to social media platform X to express their disappointment with the performance.
“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!” wrote one viewer.
Another commented: “This Sophie Ellis-Bextor performance on the BBC wouldn’t be out of place in the local on karaoke Thursdays. Absolute pony.”
“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,” posted another viewer.
“Can we all just agree Sophie Ellis Bextor can not sing live?” questioned another critic.
However, supporters of Ellis-Bextor were quick to defend her performance on social media.
“Sophie Ellis-Bextor was world class. What a party!!!!! Love new year me, the BBC smash it every year,” wrote one enthusiastic viewer.
Another fan posted: “Wow, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is absolutely smashing it tonight – belting out bangers, looking stunning, and clearly having the time of her life.”
“I’ve never really know much about Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s music, but this NYE concert is epic!” shared another viewer. (sic)
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Jake Shears, who performed with Ellis-Bextor, commented on her Instagram post: “Thanks for having me I had the best time!”
The show was pre-recorded as Ellis-Bextor had another commitment on New Year’s Eve, performing live at Times Square in New York for the celebrations.
The performance comes at the end of a successful year for Ellis-Bextor, which included sold-out tours across Europe, the United States, and Australia.
She also made numerous festival appearances in 2024, including a notable performance with Peggy Gou at Glastonbury Festival.