Snoop Dogg to Rock AFL Grand Final Stage in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Australia – American rapper Snoop Dogg is set to perform at the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final this Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 53-year-old artist expressed his enthusiasm for Australian Rules football during a media event on Thursday.

Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, announced his fondness for the sport, stating, “I’ve been coming to this country for years and I understand what this game is and what it means. I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I just fell in love with the sport,” he explained.

The AFL Grand Final draws a massive crowd, with up to 100,000 fans expected to attend as Geelong takes on Brisbane. Snoop Dogg remarked that while he was always a fan from afar, he only fully grasped the game’s essence recently. He aims to learn more ahead of his performance.

The decision to feature Snoop Dogg as the headline act has sparked a mixed reaction due to his controversial lyrics in past songs. Critics argue that the AFL is hypocritical for hiring him after it imposed a suspension on Adelaide’s Izak Rankine for a homophobic slur. However, AFL Chief Andrew Dillon defended the choice, citing Snoop’s extensive experience performing at major events like the Olympics and Super Bowl.

“I’ve been really confident with the choice of Snoop. He’s going to suit our stage,” Dillon stated.

As preparations for the Grand Final unfold, Snoop Dogg practiced his set alongside Australian musicians including Jessica Mauboy and Tash Sultana. The entertainer remarked, “I was a kid that dreamed of meeting athletes. Now I’m actually able to perform for the biggest sporting events in the world. This is a dream come true.”

His performance is anticipated to feature several classic hits, enhancing the spirit of the grand final atmosphere.