In a major coup for the AFL, the league confirmed global pop icon Katy Perry as the headline act for the 2024 Grand Final.
Perry, known for her chart-topping hits such as "Roar," "Firework," and "Teenage Dream," will perform at the MCG, marking her second appearance at the venue following her acclaimed performance at the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup Final.
This event is expected to elevate the Grand Final entertainment to new heights, continuing the AFL's trend of securing top-tier talent in recent years, including Robbie Williams in 2022 and KISS in 2023, both of whom delivered memorable performances.
The performance would coincide with the release of Perry's highly anticipated new album, "143," set to drop in September, her presence not only providing a spectacular show for footy fans but also a significant promotional platform for her new LP.
Perry's anticipated fee for the appearance is rumoured to be around $5 million, and the AFL is clearly committed to providing world-class entertainment, perhaps to right the wrongs of past performances such as 2009's Meatloaf flop.
“I'm so excited to be back in Australia and back at the mighty MCG to perform in front of 100,000 of the best and loudest fans in the world at this year's Toyota AFL Grand Final. See you in September Oi Oi Oi!” Perry said.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said the AFL was thrilled to have her as a key part of the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment.
“Katy Perry is an international music icon who has been entertaining fans with her chart-topping hits for many years, so the AFL is delighted to have her join us at the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final in what will be a spectacular Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment performance,” Rogers said.
“The AFL continues to attract world-class artists to our game, and we're honoured to have Katy Perry on board to entertain a full house at the MCG and the millions of fans tuning in across the world.”
Joining Perry on stage will be a selection of Australian artists such as actor and athlete Cody Simpson, multi-ARIA Award winning artist Christine Anu, singer-songwriter Zipporah Corser-Anu, September favourite Mike Brady and Australia's sweetheart Tina Arena.
Arena was teased as the surprise guest signing alongside Perry on the last Saturday of September in front of a bumper crowd to see the Swans and Lions.
“There's going to be a surprise performance of a favourite Australian artist that I look up to,” Perry said on Channel 7's Sunrise.
“She will be singing a little bit with me, I'll be singing a little bit with her. I've been sworn to secrecy, locked up, chains, all of it.”
The news of Arena's appearance on grand final day was confirmed on 3AW's Breakfast with Ross and Russel, as entertainment reported Peter Ford revealed, singing Chains together.
Christine Anu and daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu will perform together for the First Nations ceremony alongside the Songlines Youth Choir, Mike Brady will perform an iconic football classic as part of the AFL retiree motorcade ceremony, while Cody Simpson will perform the Australian National anthem.
The Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment will commence at 1:23PM (AEST). The 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be broadcast live, free and exclusively on Channel 7 and 7plus.