Nicole Kidman at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show briefly became the main attraction without walking a single step on the runway. The Oscar-winning actress was seated in the front row at Sunday’s event in Los Angeles when Adéla’s decidedly adult song “Nicole Kidman” began playing across the venue.

As models continued down the catwalk, the 59-year-old star laughed, blushed and covered her face. It was a restrained response to hearing a packed fashion show listen to suggestive lyrics inspired by your career. There is no standard etiquette guide for that situation.

Why did the song get such a reaction?

Adéla’s track is not especially interested in subtlety. The song references Kidman’s films “Moulin Rouge!” and “Babygirl” while delivering risqué lyrics about feeling like the Hollywood actor.

The runway moment was not Kidman’s first encounter with the tribute. She had previously acknowledged both the track and Adéla, a 22-year-old Slovak singer. When Adéla was interviewed the previous week, she appeared stunned that Kidman even knew the song existed.

That familiarity may have prevented complete surprise, but it did not stop Kidman from reacting when the track was played at full volume in front of models, guests and cameras. Knowing about a cheeky song is one thing. Hearing it provide the soundtrack to a lingerie show while everyone watches your face is apparently another.

Who joined Kidman at the runway show?

Kidman attended in a white button-down shirt, striped tie and lingerie-inspired skirt. She sat alongside Vanessa Bryant, whose daughter Natalia Bryant walked in the show.

The event also included live performances from:

  • Tate McRae
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • Megan Moroney
  • KATSEYE

Despite that crowded musical lineup, Kidman claimed several of the evening’s most memorable seconds from her seat. She did not perform, model or make a speech. She simply heard an explicit song named after her and reacted like someone who had just realised the room was waiting to see what she would do.

For a brief stretch, the runway belonged less to the models than to the visibly amused actor in the front row. Fashion shows are carefully choreographed affairs, but occasionally the soundtrack handles the publicity on its own.