Madonna

It doesn't even seem right to call a Madonna concert a concert. It is so much more than that. Nothing can really compare to it. It is a of course a showcase of her incredible hits, but it is also a dance production, a circus, a burlesque, and a vaudeville performance among other things. The show encompasses many theatrics too difficult to quantify, but without a doubt it is a night filled with uncontrollable energy.
First and foremost Madonna is an entertainer, but she is also a serious singer whose talent can't be denied. This is too often eclipsed by the absolute tour de force performance she gives. Her show is beautifully choreographed and features virtual media displays that transfers the audience to other-worldly territories. In a live performance of one of her more recent tracks "Nobody Knows Me" she is jumping with acrobats who are flipping and flexing on tightropes all to a backdrop of haunting images displayed on the halogen screen surrounding them. Watching it is like seeing a stint from the Chinese Performing Art troupe set to a techno-dystopian universe.
If you attend a Madonna show of course you will hear hit upon hit, but don't always expect to hear the ordinary version. For the MDNA tour she did a completely unexpected cabaret version of "Like a Virgin" . It was a stripped down version in the sense that Madonna acted like a stripper literally dancing on stage for money and also in the sense that it was expedited of all the synth flourishes of the actual recording featuring only an upright piano and her vocals. The minimalist setup for this particular part of the performance allowed attention to be shifted to her voice showing the audience why she is such a revered singer.
Madonna is not an artist who milks the success of her past, but is one who marches forward with extreme progression. Her music continues to stay relevant and inspires current artists and newer fans. Her most recent album features Sri Lanka hip-hop star M.I.A. and rap diva Nicki Minaj and integrates modern sounds and cutting edge technology. Given Madonna's ever evolving style anytime seems like the right time to catch one of her shows.

Kylie puts on a proper pop show and gives you your money's worth. The sets (giant skulls! Pegasus!), the lights, the videos, the dancers, the costumes, and, of course, THE SHOES (thigh high cut-out Louboutins!) are all fabulous. In fact, Kylie’s shows are often like a mini version of Cirque du Soleil, with many of her dancers doubling as aerialists, and sets that would put most Broadway musicals to shame.

Ms. Minogue’s set lists are always impeccably balanced between the new material that is the reason for the tour, more recent hits, and timeless classics from back in the day. She often mixes things up with new song arrangements and medleys. And there is no doubt that Kylie is up there giving each song her all; no 'miming' here.

Kylie is the consummate showgirl, and (as one of my fellow Kylie fans put it so succinctly) she is always about love and connecting with her audience. It’s all about having a good time no matter your age, orientation, or other demographic info. The audiences/fans at Kylie shows are always a friendly bunch, and the atmosphere is nothing short of festive. Even if you attend a show solo, you certainly won’t feel alone.