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Commonwealth Games 2018 closing ceremony: Pressure on artists to deliver

AFTER a lacklustre opening, the pressure is on some of our top singing names as they prepare to take centre stage and show the world how Australia celebrates at tomorrow night’s Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.

Katie Noonan to perform at Comm Games closing ceremony

WHILE Australia blitzed the medal table, it’s now time for our top pop singers to do their bit.

After a lacklustre opening, the pressure is on some of our top singing names as they prepare to take centre stage and show the world how Australia celebrates at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday night.

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“We are so excited to be a part of the Closing Ceremony, performing alongside some of Australia’s diversely talented women to celebrate the Commonwealth’s greatest athletes,” Brisbane sister duo The Veronicas – Jess and Lisa Origliasso – said.

Yothu Yindi will perform a standalone part at the closing ceremony. Picture: Peter Ristevski
Yothu Yindi will perform a standalone part at the closing ceremony. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Guy Sebastian, Amy Shark, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project and Anthony Callea will perform solo parts in the ceremony which will wrap with a special concert of Australian female artists including The Veronicas, Samantha Jade, Kate Ceberano, Deborah Conway, Emma Donovan, Dami Im, Thandi Phoenix and Kira Puru.

Katie Noonan to perform at Comm Games closing ceremony

“It is such an honour to be a part of this incredible event and to be sharing the stage with such beautifully powerful women,” Jade said. “This has been an experience that I will remember forever and I cannot wait to get up there and take the stage.”

Queensland local Im added: “It has been wonderful to see Australia’s greatest athletes take home so many medals. I can’t wait to get on stage and celebrate alongside such amazing artists, athletes and volunteers.”

Dami Im says she “cannot wait” to get up and perform. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Dami Im says she “cannot wait” to get up and perform. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Controversially, opening and closing ceremony musical director Katie Noonan has again included herself in the performances.

Noonan copped backlash for including herself in the opening ceremony.

Katie Noonan came under fire after the opening ceremony. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Katie Noonan came under fire after the opening ceremony. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

While other artists Ricki Lee Coulter were swamped by backing dancers, fireworks and visual displays, Noonan’s performance was stripped back as she sat behind a piano in the centre of the stadium.

Prince Charles officially opens the Commonwealth Games

Sources behind the scenes accused Noonan of making the opening event about her. Subsequently, ARIA award-winning band Sheppard hit out at Noonan, labelling her “nasty” and claiming they were offered a spot to perform for “volunteer rates”, while top promoter Michael Chugg claimed artists were offered just $2000 a song.

Originally published as Commonwealth Games 2018 closing ceremony: Pressure on artists to deliver

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/commonwealth-games/confidential/commonwealth-games-2018-closing-ceremony-pressure-on-artists-to-deliver/news-story/76247f8607da767e94670cd689ca04b2