Katy Perry’s Electrifying Performance at 2024 AFL Grand Final Faces Mixed Reactions

American pop sensation Katy Perry delivered a high-energy performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of the 2024 AFL Grand Final. The singer, known for her chart-topping hits such as ‘Roar’, ‘Teenage Dream’, and ‘Firework’, took the stage amidst much fanfare, captivating both Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions supporters with her dynamic presence.

Perry opened her set dramatically with computer-generated helicopter graphics, engaging the crowd by asking, “Where’s all my Swans at?” and “Where’s all my Lions at?” She began her performance with ‘Roar’, eliciting enthusiastic responses from the audience. The singer’s futuristic entrance, marked by a chrome-plated vehicle reminiscent of a computer mouse, drew comparisons to Angry Anderson’s memorable 1991 pre-game show.

Midway through her performance, Perry was joined on stage by Australian pop icon Tina Arena, surprising fans with a rendition of ‘Chains’. Their duet blended classic pop elements with a contemporary dance remix, which Arena revealed was a nostalgic moment celebrating the song’s 30-year anniversary.

The performance wasn’t without its controversies. Perry’s contractual agreement reportedly included performing only one track from her latest album, “143”, which received mixed reviews and was involved with controversial producer Dr. Luke. Nonetheless, she introduced new music, notably the track “Lifetimes”, which some critics described as “kind of not bad”.

Reviews of the overall performance were mixed but leaned positively. Entertainment commentator Gerard Whateley described the spectacle as unprecedented for the AFL stage, noting, “It gets bigger and bigger every year.” Even skeptic Jeff Kennett found himself entertained by the pop production.

In attendance were other Australian artists, including singer Cody Simpson, who performed a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem, alongside a mother-daughter duo, Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu, who added to the local cultural representation.

Perry concluded her 20-minute set with a rousing performance of ‘Firework’, complete with an explosive fireworks display over the MCG, sealing her status as a seasoned pop performer with a flair for the dramatic.