Katy Perry’s AFL Grand Final Performance Highlights Controversy and Cameo

During the 2024 AFL Grand Final held at Melbourne Cricket Ground, pop icon Katy Perry delivered a performance that stirred both excitement and debate among attendees. Perry, known for her high-energy and hit-laden shows, took to the stage amidst a backdrop of controversy regarding her latest album and setlist choices.

Reports suggest that Perry was keen to include songs from her new album in the performance, although these aspirations were reportedly met with resistance from event organizers, who preferred her to stick with her well-known hits. Consequently, Perry briefly performed excerpts from two songs off her new album, ‘Gorgeous’ and ‘Lifetimes,’ as part of a wider setlist predominantly composed of her popular tracks including ‘Roar,’ ‘Dark Horse,’ ‘California Gurls,’ ‘Teenage Dream,’ and ‘Firework.’

An unexpected highlight of Perry’s set was a surprise appearance by Australian singer Tina Arena. The duo performed Perry’s ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and Arena’s own 1994 hit ‘Chains,’ a collaboration that seemed to be the most engaging part of the performance for many in attendance. Arena’s cameo was hailed by the crowd, providing a memorable moment in an otherwise predictable lineup of songs.

The performance was not without its critics. Earlier, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young had voiced concerns over the choice of Perry as the headliner, advocating for a local artist to take the stage instead, particularly during a challenging period for the Australian music industry. Additionally, there was lighthearted conjecture that playing ‘Roar’ might unfairly boost the morale of the Brisbane Lions, one of the final’s competing teams.

The AFL set reportedly netted Perry a $5 million payment for her 17-minute performance, a fee reflective of her international superstar status. Her entrance on a futuristic vehicle sparked comparisons to Angry Anderson’s infamous pre-game show vehicle from 1991, adding a layer of nostalgia and intrigue to the pre-game festivities.

As fireworks lit up the Melbourne sky at the conclusion of her performance, Perry concluded with a nod to her audience, saying, “Have a great game tonight! I love you, Australia!” She left the stage to make way for the sporting finale, shortly followed by Cody Simpson‘s rendition of the Australian national anthem.