Katy Perry announces ‘surprise’ AFL grand final twist with Australian artist set for cameo performance
Katy Perry has teased a “surprise performance” with an Australian artist at the AFL grand final.
The pop superstar is returning to the MCG for the first time in four and a half years to perform the pre-game entertainment.
Just what she will perform has been a point of contention, with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon appearing in a TV ad to declare “we only want your bangers”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.That call is set to be answered after Perry declared ‘Firework’ is the song that gets the biggest reaction from people of all ages — but it appears the show will extend beyond her own catalogue.
“There’s going to be a surprise performance of a favourite Australian artist that I look up to,” Perry told Sunrise on Wednesday morning.
“She will be singing a little bit with me, and I’ll be singing a little bit with her.
“I’ve been sworn to secrecy, locked up, chains — all of it.”
Chains, of course, is the biggest hit by none other than Tina Arena.
The production has been tipped to include innovations never before seen on stage at the grand final.
The AFL previously announced Australian artists Cody Simpson, Christine Anu, Zipporah Corser-Anu and Mike Brady will also perform before the game.
Brady will perform his classic ‘Up There Cazaly’ while Anu and her daughter will perform together for the First Nations ceremony alongside the Songlines Youth Choir.
Simpson, who has stepped back from his swimming pursuits to resume his music career, will perform the national anthem, reprising his role from the 2022 AFLW grand final.
“I’m stoked to have been asked to sing the biggest national anthem of the year at the AFL Grand Final,” Simpson wrote on Instagram this week.
“It’s a special and timely opportunity for me to step back on stage after my sporting career.
“As an Australian, it’s one of the greatest honours and I hope I can deliver something that everyone can sing along to and share in the pride to be a member of this beautiful country.”
The pre-game entertainment will be live and free on Seven and 7plus.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
