NRL Grand Final: Macklemore’s Same Love charms ANZ crowd

HE landed in the middle of Australia’s same sex marriage debate, but US rapper Macklemore wowed the ANZ Stadium crowd, including North Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston.

• Macklemore’s song is fine. the NRL’s arrogance isn’t
• Same Love is exactly right for the NRL final

HE may have attracted controversy from across Australia after landing himself in the middle of the same-sex marriage debate — but US rapper Macklemore seems to have wowed everyone from Johnathan Thurston to a packed ANZ Stadium.

The North Queensland legend gave the performer a palm slap and a huge grin as he left his dressing room and headed on stage at ANZ Stadium.

Rapper Macklemore performs during the 2017 NRL Grand Final. Picture: Brett Costello

The US rapper found himself at the centre of Australia’s gay marriage debate after a huge backlash from conservatives, unhappy he would perform his marriage equality anthem Same Love as part of his half time entertainment spot.

But just like JT, the ANZ crowd seemed to love the rapper, singing along as he busted out a series of classics, including Thrift Shop.

The crowd go wild for Macklemore. Picture: Brett Costello

And then came the controversial pick Australians have been talking about all week: Same Love.

The pro-marriage equality song got a quick applause, before the crowd went wild as Macklemore urged “equality for all!”.

@TripleM_NRL did ya'll miss this moment? who @macklemore high fived coming out of the aisleway? who else but Jonathan Thurston!!! #NRLGF pic.twitter.com/LyrAyolvYd

— Leon Bradley (@dxthelb) October 1, 2017

One of the best shows I've seen at the nrl grand final @macklemore ur the man

— Greg Eastwood (@GregEastwood1) October 1, 2017

Killed it with Macklemore @NRL 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

— Lote Tuqiri (@LoteTuqiri) October 1, 2017

@macklemore WOW !!!!!

— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) October 1, 2017

Forming their fingers into hearts and bouncing along, the crowd seemed to well and truly into the rapper.

And it wasn’t just punters at the Grand Final — social media lit up with good words for Same Love.

@macklemore killed it! #NRLGF

— Craig (@JustSayin43) October 1, 2017

Well done @NRL not the biggest fan, but @macklemore was unreal #nailedit #NRLGF

— Andrew Lemon (@ajlemon057) October 1, 2017

In the lead-up to the performance, Macklemore said the power of music was not to divide people but start conversations.

“I haven’t figured it out yet but I ... want to donate my portion of the proceeds from Same Love that I get off of that record here in Australia to voting yes,” he told the Nine Network on Saturday.

The crowd gets into the rapper’s gig. Picture: AAP

“I need to figure out what that looks like and how to do that but that is something that I’m going to do.”

The NRL’s choice of Macklemore saw it condemned by figures such as Queensland Federal MP Bob Katter and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Great to spend some time with @macklemore pre match @NRL GF. Look forward to seeing a huge performance for the fans! pic.twitter.com/jYhoqFbcyM

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) October 1, 2017

Guys, I heard Macklemore sing and I didn't become gay, it's okay 🌈

— MLB (@MattLB13) October 1, 2017

@macklemore you killed it. So proud of @NRL for sticking to their guns and allowing that to happing #proudmoment #voteyes #nrl #macklemore

— Justin Davison (@juzzy_83) October 1, 2017

I find so much satisfaction in how much the Macklemore Same Love uproar has backfired on our politicians

— Paris (@parisvelvet) October 1, 2017

Macklemore just played Same Love at the NRL grand final and WOW...nothing happened. No one died and the world didn't end...Carry on everyo…

— Jason Pilgrim (@JasonPilgrim) October 1, 2017

Pretty sure @macklemore just made the #VoteYes campaign win #NRLGF

THANKYOU

— Intern Pete (@Peter_Deppeler) October 1, 2017

The faux outrage from the NO-SAYERS ensured millions watched, listened and cheered for Macklemore's Same Love message of Equal Love. https://t.co/pxsOU3QQn5

— Sokra Tease (@sokra_tease) October 1, 2017

Originally published as NRL Grand Final: Macklemore’s Same Love charms ANZ crowd