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Kylie Minogue to headline AFL Grand Final as NRL lacks performer
Major Australian sporting leagues face contrasting entertainment lineups for their upcoming Grand Finals. Kylie Minogue is confirmed to headline the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, where a 13-storey mural of the artist has been unveiled in Melbourne to celebrate her performance.
In contrast, the NRL will proceed with its Grand Final on October 4 without a headline pre-game act. Negotiations with artist Tones and I fell through; her management stated she declined the offer due to prior commitments in the United States and the last-minute nature of the request. While some reports suggested disagreements over her set list, specifically regarding the song ‘Dance Monkey’, management emphasized the scheduling conflict.
NRL Chairman Peter V’landys announced that the $1 million originally intended for entertainment will instead be redirected to junior rugby league. Meanwhile, Australian singer Shannon Noll has expressed interest in filling the performance void.
Entities
AFL · Accor Stadium · Kylie Minogue · NRL · Nine · Peter V’landys · Tones And I
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Negotiations with singer Tones and I collapsed because she would not commit to performing her hit 'Dance Monkey'.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NRL will not have a headline pre-game entertainment act for the 2026 grand final.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NRL will donate $1 million to junior rugby league instead of paying for a headline performer.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Broadcaster Nine is reportedly furious about the lack of a major pre-game attraction.