The AFL has guaranteed this grand final’s pre-game will be entertaining – and different.
Iconic American rapper Snoop Dogg has been confirmed to headline the pre-game show on September 27 at the MCG.
He was an unlikely and undisputed star of last year’s Paris Olympics, joining TV personality Martha Stewart to provide commentary for NBC.
The pair went to the dressage final dressed in full equestrian gear, including helmets.
“100,000 fans. And the two best teams. And your boy big Snoop D-O-double G at the M-C-G,” the rapper said in his video announcement on Tuesday.
“Can’t wait to see y’all in September for the Telstra pre-game entertainment brought to you by … me.”
He’s the latest big-name international act lured to the grand final, following Robbie Williams, Katy Perry and Kiss.
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| Snoop Dogg was a man about town at the Paris Olympics, taking old friend Martha Stewart to the dressage. |
Snoop Dogg’s career spans more than three decades and features hits such as Gin and Juice, Drop It Like It’s Hot, Beautiful and Young, and Wild & Free.
In 2007, he was banned from applying for a visa to enter Australia to co-host the MTV Music Video Awards. Then immigration minister Kevin Andrews said he did not meet the “character requirements”, due to convictions for drug and firearm offences.
But times have definitely changed, with the AFL rolling out the red carpet.
“The AFL grand final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar – and this year, it just got a whole lot bigger,” chief executive Andrew Dillon 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. And we’re ready to make history.”
He said Snoop Dogg he had toured since his visa ban, and expected no issues.
“If you saw his performance at the end of the Olympics, he’s got family-friendly ways of doing that,” he said.
Dillon also said the rapper would probably collaborate with local artists as part of his pre-game set.
Quizzed on the announcement later on Tuesday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was low key.
“I’m going to make a confession. I’m really only a Snoop Dogg fan when he’s collaborating with Katy Perry, which probably gives you the answer,” she said, when asked for her favourite song by the rapper.
“But look, it’s great that he’s coming … It’s an international event, the AFL grand final, and having an international act headline that event is another great win.”
Elsewhere, Dillon said Snoop Dogg already supported the Western Bulldogs and might find his way into the commentary box on grand final day.
“That’s a very good question – he’s all-in on it, he has his Sherrin and he’s practising his handball, his kicking skill,” he said.
“Who knows, he might get a little cameo in the commentary box as well.”
- The New Daily with AAP
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