'Let's make it unforgettable': Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg to perform at AFL Grand Final this yearce
The hip-hop icon behind hits including Drop It Like It's Hot, Gin & Juice and What's My Name? is set to headline the pre-match entertainment act to a crowd of up to 100,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It will be the 53-year-old's first ever live appearance at the MCG, and is the latest big-name star the AFL has signed to headline its entertainment, following artists such as Katy Perry and Robbie Williams.
Snoop Dogg, promising to deliver an ''unforgettable'' experience, said it was 'an absolute honour'' to be a part of one of the biggest sports events in Australia.
'It's one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar,'' he said.
'Can't wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans.
'Let's make it unforgettable.''
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also boasted the star's exceptional career as an entertainer, adding they are "ready to make history".
'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.
'We want Grand Final Day to be an unforgettable celebration of footy — and beyond the four quarters of the match, a celebration of culture, energy, and entertainment. Snoop fits that brief better than anyone.
'From Long Beach to the biggest stage in Australian sport — Snoop Dogg is coming to the MCG for the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment, and we're ready to make history.'
Mr Dillon further acknowledged on Tuesday Snoop Dogg may not appeal to everyone, but the icon had the wow factor to keep everyone by the edge of their seats.
'You do a (pros and cons exercise) with everything,' Mr Dillon told 3AW.
'There were a lot more pros than cons, and look, no artist appeals to everyone but the feedback I've been getting ... he does span the generations.
'He's global, he's iconic and he has stood the test of time.'
Snoop Dogg's performance may raise some further eyebrows as the star hasn't always been welcomed to Australia with open arms.
In 2007, the rapper was banned from applying for a visa to enter the country to co-host the MTV Video Music Awards by then Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews.
The Liberal government minister said back then the ban was due to the singer not meeting the 'character requirements' for a visa due to convictions of drug and firearm offences in the US that year. The ban has since been overturned.
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