Sophie Ellis Bextor has broken her silence after BBC One viewers branded her New Year’s Eve performance an ‘awkward and breathless mess’.
The Murder On The Dancefloor hitmaker, 45, kicked off 2025 with a medley of hits, including duets with Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and The Last Dinner Party.
While some viewers praised her performance as ‘world class’ and an ‘absolute treat’, others branded it ‘cringe’ and compared her singing to ‘karaoke night’.
But Sophie hit back against critics on Wednesday as she shared a collection of rave reviews for her NYE Disco on her Instagram Story.
She also took to her page to post a collection of stunning snaps from the fun evening, which was pre-recorded as she also performed live at New York’s Times Square NYE celebrations.
‘So so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1,’ she wrote. ‘What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night.
Sophie Ellis Bextor broke her silence on Instagram on Wednesday after BBC One viewers branded her New Year’s Eve performance an ‘awkward and breathless mess’
While some viewers praised her performance as ‘world class’ and an ‘absolute treat’, others branded it ‘cringe’ and compared her singing to ‘karaoke night’
‘Huge thank you to my guests @jessieware @jakeshears @emilyrobertsguitarist who really brought the party – what a treat to have them on stage with me! – and I loved my finale with the @mdlsingers special thanks to @victoriajayneadcock for styling – we had a blast dreaming up the looks and then Victoria went the extra mile to make them come true, and thanks to @lisalaudat1 for my hair and make up. Xx’
Sophie continued: ‘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.
‘If that was you, thank you 
Xxx it’s on @bbciplayer now if you fancy it, too 
Big thank you to the amazing @bbcstudios team who captured the show and created a world for us to do what we do.
‘I loved the set, the lighting… Director @lizclaretv did such a brilliant job and the whole crew were so supportive and excited which only made us more excited too! The whole thing has been a really special experience.’
Some viewers branded Sophie an ‘awkward and breathless mess’ as she kicked off 2025 with her star-studded show.
While many viewers were quick to praise her for her dazzling performance, others were less impressed, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.
Posts included: ‘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!’;
‘This Sophie Ellis-Bextor performance on the BBC wouldn’t be out of place in the local on karaoke Thursdays. Absolute pony,’;
The Murder On The Dancefloor hitmaker, 45, kicked off 2025 with a medley of hits, including duets with Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and The Last Dinner Party
But Sophie hit back against critics on Wednesday as she shared a collection of rave reviews for her NYE Disco on her Instagram Story
She also took to her page to post a collection of stunning snaps from the fun evening, which was pre-recorded as she also performed live at New York’s Times Square NYE celebrations (Pictured with Jessie Ware)
‘So so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1,’ she wrote. ‘What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night’
Some viewers branded Sophie an ‘awkward and breathless mess’ as she kicked off 2025 with her star-studded show
While many viewers were quick to praise her for her dazzling performance, others were less impressed, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter , to share their thoughts
‘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,’;
‘Can we all just agree Sophie Ellis Bextor can not sing live?’
However, others thought Sophie’s performance was a hit, as they wrote: ‘I don’t care if people are moaning about Sophie Ellis-Bextor being on. She is such a babe.
‘Wow, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is absolutely smashing it tonight – belting out bangers, looking stunning, and clearly having the time of her life. An absolute treat for those of us watching at home. Also: 11/10 would smash.
‘Sophie Ellis-Bextor was world class. What a party!!!!! Love new year me, the BBC smash it every year.
‘One of the strongest choices by the BBC for NYE How do they top Sophie Ellis-Bextor this / next year?’
‘I’ve never really know much about Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s music, but this NYE concert is epic!’
It was previously announced in November that Sophie would front the BBC’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular.
Sophie continued: ‘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’
However, others took to social media to defend the star, with one even branding her New Year’s Eve show ‘epic’
It was previously announced in November that Sophie would front the BBC’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular
It’s been quite a year for the hitmaker following her sold-out tours in Europe, the United States, and Australia as well as her numerous festival appearances including her performance with Peggy Gou at Glastonbury Festival.
So, the BBC couldn’t think of a better way to round up a sensational 2024 than with none other than Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s New Year’s Eve Disco.
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, the TV event will see Sophie joined on stage by some very special guests.
Confirming the news on BBC Radio 2, the Murder On The Dancefloor hitmaker said: ‘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…’
