Rita Ora performs at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021 held at Sydney Cricket Ground
Singer Rita Ora became emotional as she performed at Sydney’s COVID-safe Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday night.
Singer Rita Ora became emotional as she performed at Sydney’s COVID-safe Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday night.
This year’s celebration was held at Sydney Cricket Ground instead of with the traditional march down Oxford St but it has been hailed a success.
Many took to social media to say how much they enjoyed the television coverage of the event at the SCG, although some thought there was too much focus on the corporate floats and celebrities.
Floats marched around the oval, giving off the atmosphere of a “gay Olympics” or “camp Big Bash”.
Ora got the crowd dancing with her performance and became emotional during her last couple of songs saying it had been a while since she had performed and she was “trying not to cry”.
“I’ll never forget this,” Ora said as her set finished.
RELATED: Mardi Gras protest hits Sydney streets ahead of event
Australian signer Troye Sivan was spotted among the marchers but one of the biggest cheers of the night went to Australian children’s music group The Wiggles.
There was also a moment of controversy when the NSW Police float appeared. A banner was unfurled that said “cops out” but it was quickly ripped down.
2Day FM with Carrie, Tommy, and @troyesivan! pic.twitter.com/zUpzEFGxI0
— Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 6, 2021
Rainbow Families - with some special guests! pic.twitter.com/jEz4XGsawq
— Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 6, 2021
The SCG lit up in fabulosity for @RitaOra !! pic.twitter.com/nWT2IvsctV
— Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (@sydneymardigras) March 6, 2021
The night also featured a performance from Australian singer G Flip and other entertainers.
Despite the different format, one thing that didn’t change was the colourful costumes Mardi Gras is known for.
Gotta say, I’m loving watching #MardiGras2021 at the SCG! It’s like the Opening Ceremony for the LGBTQI olympics!
— Bec (@bec_giddy) March 6, 2021
I love the street #MardiGras but lets be honest, the @SCG is seriously bringing it tonight. It looks incredible all lit up like this. #MardiGras2021
— Guy Ⓥ🎗🌱 (@greysfan) March 6, 2021
Having Mardi Gras at the SCG is a great idea, a contained environment where you can see more easily for the crowds watching and great arrangement for the floats and marchers.#MardiGras
— Jule (@psych_ling) March 6, 2021
Happy Mardi Gras!
— Alaisdair (@alaisdair) March 6, 2021
That was the best coverage of that event I've seen. @RitaOra was freaking fabulous! The SCG was a great venue. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Happy 2021!#MardiGras#SydneyMardiGras@SBS
Obviously was in parade so haven’t seen TV, but as amazing as atmosphere was @SCG, much better as an open & free event on the street.
— Philip Thalis (@PhilipThalis) March 6, 2021
Corporations already too over-represented in Aust society -let the people express themselves -that’s what public events like #MardiGras should be https://t.co/HmqJLpGwah
Mardi Gras this year is like a slightly more camp Big Bash, which is itself already extremely camp. #MardiGras2021pic.twitter.com/q1nSOgWIAQ
— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) March 6, 2021
.@scg is pumping #MardiGras2021pic.twitter.com/cgSjqkW25E
— Andrew Condon (@_condo) March 6, 2021
#MardiGras2021 we defs aren’t dancing or chanting I promise. pic.twitter.com/E3RAWi9uzS
— Peter Deppeler (@Peter_Deppeler) March 6, 2021
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