Getting Ready With Sophie Ellis-Bextor: The Singer Preps for Her Debut New Year’s Eve Performance

Sophie Ellis-Bextor was among the star-studded performers who hit the stage on Dec. 31 for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in New York City. The British singer, famous for her 2001 hit song “Murder on the Dancefloor,” brought plenty of sparkle to the stage with her glittering look.

WWD spoke with the pop hit-maker about her preparation for the big night.

Ellis-Bextor’s travel from the United Kingdom to the Big Apple was ideal for a family affair. The singer brought along her mother, husband, brother and her eldest son for the festivities. But when it came to getting in the right frame of mind for the performance, Ellis-Bextor told WWD she was “Just trying to bring the party really! I love a big party, and this is the party to end all parties, so I think it’s going to be really special,” she said. “I feel very excited and very privileged to see New York in this way.”

For her performance attire, it was all about sparkle. “I knew I wanted it to be twinkly,” Ellis-Bextor told WWD. “Sequins, they dance for you. I brought a couple of options with me because I never just bring one thing and never know what mood I’m gonna be in. I’m gonna wear my silver dress that’s covered in flowers, and it’s got feathers around the arms and hem. It’s short, it’s flirty, it’s fun, it’s pretty, it’s twinkly, it says, ‘I’m here for New Year’s Eve!’”

As for her glam, Ellis-Bextor worked with Amanda Wilson, whom she met during her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” last February.

“She did a great job, so as soon as I knew I was coming, I was like, ‘Amanda, please come and help me get ready!’ She’s awesome, so I can relax because I’m in safe hands. She knows I love color and love a bit of fun, so for me it’s a great opportunity to do something special,” Ellis-Bextor said.

When it comes to her own fashion inspiration and obsession, Ellis-Bextor revealed to WWD how music played a special role in the early days of her style. “Watching music videos is one of my earliest memories — people like Toni Basil, Adam Ant, or Boy George. I was just fascinated with how people looked, as well as what they sang. I think really if you want to be a popstar, then how you dress is part of how you communicate your intention with music,” Ellis-Bextor shared.

“To me, I see it as a tool. It sets the tone, it gets you in the mood, it gets you in character. And also, it’s fun! I feel very lucky because so many people might see the fun outfits that I get to wear, and think, ‘Well I love that but when would I get to wear it?’ And I do get the chance to wear it, so I exploit that really and run with it. It helps get me in the right headspace.”

Ahead, see photos from Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s getting ready preparation for her New Year’s Eve performance.