On a reported $5 million pay packet, pop icon Katy Perry’s appearance as the headline act of the AFL grand final’s pre-match entertainment was always going to provoke a strong reaction from footy fans.
Recent years have seen widely acclaimed performances from Robbie Williams and KISS, which have prompted delighted reactions from a packed MCG as well as declarations of greatest ever grand final entertainment status for both.
It seemed initially, though, that the 2024 crowd didn’t appreciate Perry quite as much.
However, as the 39-year old performed a series of her greatest hits in a nine-song set list, including Roar – despite claiming in the lead-up she’d have to skip the iconic song due to the Brisbane Lions’ presence in the grand final – Teenage Dream and final song Firework, the reception noticeably warmed to the American superstar, with Perry given a standing ovation from the MCG faithful.
Perry performed just two songs from her controversial new album, in line with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon’s reported request for only her ‘bangers’.
Online, the reception was focussed more on Perry’s unusual ‘vehicle’ on which she began her performance.
Not everyone could agree on what the vessel resembled, with some comparing it to a lawnmower…
… while AFL journalist Sarah Black deemed it ‘a giant shiny version of a handheld vacuum cleaner’.
However, the most popular comparison was to Angry Anderson’s infamous performance at the 1991 AFL grand final – on a Batmobile.
Perry’s flamboyant outfit also proved a major talking point.
It was Perry’s duet with Australian icon Tina Arena on her famous hit I Kissed A Girl that proved most controversial, though.
Arena has become a divisive figure in recent years as a high-profile critic of Australia’s frequent city-based lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, despite Melbourne enduring several major lockdowns throughout 2020 and 2021, Arena was warmly received with a loud cheer by the MCG crowd – though the reaction on social media was far harsher.
The performance was Perry’s second at the MCG, having performed at the Women’s T20 World Cup final in March 2020, famously alongside several Australian cricketers after their victory over India.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2024/09/28/giant-goon-bag-delights-as-katy-perry-dazzles-with-monster-gf-set-list-double-act-with-aussie-icon-questioned/‘Giant goon bag’ delights as Katy Perry dazzles with monster GF set list, double act with Aussie icon questioned
إرسال تعليق