Rock legends ‘turned down $20M offer to headline AFL final’ before Katy Perry nabbed $5M payday for the sporting spectacular

Rock legends 'turned down $20M offer to headline AFL final' before Katy Perry nabbed $5M payday for the sporting spectacular

As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the AFL Grand Final has consistently demonstrated its knack for securing some truly spectacular entertainment over the years. However, this year’s decision to go with Katy Perry instead of The Rolling Stones left me somewhat underwhelmed.


It is said that one of the world’s well-known rock groups allegedly declined a staggering $20 million opportunity to perform as the pre-show entertainment for the AFL Grand Final.

Instead, organizers opted for the electrifying pop sensation Katy Perry, who pocketed a whopping $5 million to dazzle the masses with an extraordinary showcase at the MCG on Saturday night.

It was reported that the heads of AFL were eager to book The Rolling Stones, consisting of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, for the coveted main performance spot.

The rock icons, who recently embarked on a successful US tour to promote their latest album Hackney Diamonds, would have been a dream act for the AFL final.

Instead, the negotiations allegedly came to a halt due to the AFL’s reluctance over the high cost associated with the short 20-minute main act performance.

Ultimately, the choice resulted in a significant savings of $15 million for the organizers, since Perry was allegedly hired for only $5 million. Despite this, Australians were taken aback by the substantial amount Perry received as payment.

Radio host Ross Stevenson shed light on the negotiations, telling 3AW listeners: ‘A very senior source at the AFL told me they did ask the Stones … $20million for four songs. 

‘That was the asking price, and the AFL just couldn’t meet it.’ 

Rock legends 'turned down $20M offer to headline AFL final' before Katy Perry nabbed $5M payday for the sporting spectacular

Rock legends 'turned down $20M offer to headline AFL final' before Katy Perry nabbed $5M payday for the sporting spectacular

On more than one occasion, I’ve noticed attempts by the Australian Football League (AFL) to bring a globally renowned superstar to their Grand Final, only to fall short of success.

Previously, it was shared that Bruce Springsteen declined a financially rewarding opportunity to perform at the pre-game event. This left those in charge searching urgently for an alternative artist.

Instead, the international sensations known as KISS took the stage at the Australian sports betting event, delivering a dynamic and electrifying show.

In Perry’s 20-minute performance during the AFL Grand Final, she showcased two songs from her recent album titled 143 – Lifetimes and Gorgeous, which is a collaboration with Kim Petras. This came after it was rumored that AFL officials had limited her to only one new song.

Rock legends 'turned down $20M offer to headline AFL final' before Katy Perry nabbed $5M payday for the sporting spectacular

Regardless of introducing some fresh tunes, it was her popular songs like Roar, Teenage Dream, Dark Horse, and Firework that truly energized the crowd as Katy Perry started with a rendition of Roar followed by performances of these well-known tracks.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, allow me to share an exciting moment from my recent past. Alongside the talented Tina Arena, I had the pleasure of performing a vibrant rendition of her chart-topping song “I Kissed A Girl.” The energy was electric! Following that electrifying performance, we seamlessly transitioned into another one of her iconic hits, “Chains,” making for an unforgettable musical duet.

However, her selection of songs took people off guard when she didn’t include “Hot n Cold,” a song often associated with MasterChef Australia and humorously considered as Australia’s unofficial national anthem, in her performance.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the AFL and Rolling Stones for comment. 

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2024-09-29 06:03

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