NRL grand final entertainment: Keith Urban, Richie Sambora, Orianthi
UPDATE: Richie Sambora has responded after being slammed for his NRL pre-game performance in which he struggled to sing two classic Bon Jovi tunes.
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Richie Sambora has hit back after being slammed for his NRL pre-game performance.
The 57-year-old was widely panned after he struggled to sing two Bon Jovi covers, Livin on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive, with his Australian girlfriend, Orianthi, 31.
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This morning Sambora tweeted “ It’s ok if people don’t dig where I’m going artistily”.
It could only be described as a strange appearance from the duo, with Orianthi wearing a hat and sunglasses through the set.
I did not get mean... It's ok if people don't dig where I'm going artistily..it's ok. God bless you all. Just bringin all my love...
— RICHIE SAMBORA (@TheRealSambora) October 2, 2016
Bemused, and annoyed, fans took to Twitter to share their frustration during the bizarre performance.
“Holy wow,” wrote musician Phil Jamieson.
Another user said: “Make it stop”.
RICHIE BLOWING ON THE WAH WAH TUBE FOR LIVING ON A PRAYER
— oh errol (@oherrol) October 2, 2016
This is so rugby league 😂ðŸ‘ðŸ¼
I sound better at ding dong dang #nrlgf entertainment
— Emily Benammar (@EmilyBenammar) October 2, 2016
...I wish they could lose power.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) October 2, 2016
Fortunately Keith Urban saved the day though when he took to the stage with Jessica Mauboy to perform his hit track, The Fighter.
Although Sunrise presenter Sam Mac wasn’t entirely impressed.
“Truly special sight. 80 thousand fans humming along pretending to know the words to Keith Urban songs “da da love you da da yeah da” #NRLGF.”
Mac’s colleague, Sunrise host Samantha Armytage, disagreed with his assessment.
“Mauboy + Urban = brilliant,” she said.
Derryn Hinch said Urban’s performance trumped Sting yesterday at the AFL grand final.
“Keith Urban on fire at the NRL GF shows why Stings Message In A Bottle not a great MCG choice,” Hinch wrote on Twitter.
The #NRLGF might be having their Meatloaf moment.....
— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) October 2, 2016
Richie can't hit a high note. Just like this pre game entertainment #NRLGF
— Kyle Pollard (@KylePollard) October 2, 2016
My ears #NRLGF
— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) October 2, 2016
Originally published as NRL grand final entertainment: Keith Urban, Richie Sambora, Orianthi
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