Rapper Snoop Dogg announced as AFL grand final pre-game entertainment

RNZ News

2 days ago

Snoop Dogg's hits include Drop It Like It's Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild & Free.
Photo:
PARAS GRIFFIN
The AFL has announced that American rapper Snoop Dogg will headline the pre-game entertainment at this year's grand final.
The rapper, record producer, and actor has been described by the AFL as a global music icon and "one of the most recognisable and influential artists in the world", with a career spanning three decades.
His hits include Drop It Like It's Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild & Free.
He joins a list of international artists to feature on grand final day, including Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and The Killers.
"It's an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final," the artist said in a statement released by the AFL.
"It's one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar.
"Can't wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let's make it unforgettable."
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Snoop Dogg would help ensure the grand final was a celebration of culture, energy, and entertainment.
"The AFL grand final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar - and this year, it just got a whole lot bigger," he said.
"Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer. He's played to packed stadiums around the world - but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet."
Mr Dillon defended the AFL's choice of an international artist and hinted there would be a home grown performer in the line-up.
"He's (Snoop Dogg) been at the Super Bowl, performed at the
Olympics
… but he's also very famous for his collaborations so I think if we're looking for Australian artists, there'll certainly be an Australian artist who will be featured on grand final day," he said.
"I understand he follows the Western Bulldogs so I'm not sure he's necessarily an aficionado but he certainly knows about the game.
"Who knows, we might get like a little cameo in the commentary box as well."
In 2007, the federal government banned the rapper from entering the country, saying he did not meet the character requirements for a visa after he was convicted of drug and firearms offences in the US.
The ban was lifted in 2008.
The pre-game entertainment generally starts an hour before kick-off with a motorcade featuring the coaches and players from the two teams, followed by a number of performances.
The 2025 grand final begins at the traditional time of 2:30pm on September 27.
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ABC