‘Everyone scoffs’: State of Origin Welcome to Country sends Kyle Sandilands into controversial rant

The radio shock-jock has once again waded into controversy — taking issue with a part of last night’s spectacle that was widely praised.

Kyle Sandilands has fired up over the frequent use of Welcome to Country acknowledgements, arguing they are “losing their power”.

The radio host, 52, shared his thoughts following the State of Origin opener on Wednesday. Savannah Fynn recognised the traditional owners of the land before Australian Idol’s Dylan Wright performed an acoustic rendition of the national anthem.

Fynn’s Welcome to Country was widely praised, with one social media user remarking, “Welcome to country defeats Anthem by some margin,” and another noting, “What a gorgeous welcome to country from that young woman!”

On Thursday morning, Sandilands spoke broadly on the frequent inclusion of the Welcome to Country at various events.

Savannah Fynn during her Welcome to Country. Photo: Twitter

He claimed that its overuse has diluted its emotional and cultural impact.

“You know what I’ve been noticing? People are s***canning the Welcome to Country because it’s overused and lost its impact,” Sandilands said.

He said its widespread adoption by corporations and at football matches has led Australians to feel more irritated than spiritually connected.

“People get annoyed now rather than getting immersed into the culture and making them feel spiritually aware, people now don’t like having the smoke waved and everyone dancing,” he continued.

Sandilands expressed frustration over its commercialisation, saying, “I find it sad - it’s so overused, it’s pathetic.”

Kyle Sandilands criticised the frequent use of Welcome to Country acknowledgements, stating that its overuse has diluted its impact. Source: Facebook: The Kyle and Jackie O Show

“They’ve ruined the message from the Aboriginals by using it on Qantas, Foxtel, at the football.

“You can’t go to the shopping centre without someone welcoming you to country at Westfield.

“It’s overused and it needs to dial back a bit.”

“A Welcome to Country from the indigenous folks who live here that have always lived here should be an extremely powerful, emotional and spiritual feeling,” Sandilands added.

“But when you see it on the plane at Qantas, everyone’s like (scoffs).

“It should always be an amazing thing, not some burden.”

Traditionally, a Welcome to Country is performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodians to welcome people to their land at the start of an event or ceremony.

The reactions to Dylan Wright’s acoustic version of the national anthem were mixed.

Sporting a powder green suit and a guitar, Wright’s performance at the packed Accor Stadium initially puzzled some attendees but eventually won them over, culminating in a big cheer at the end.

Dylan Wright sings the national anthem before game one of the 2024 Men's State of Origin Series between the Blues and Queensland at Accor Stadium on June 5. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Jackie O said on Thursday morning, “I think that guy should sing the national anthem at every single event that there is.”

Social media reactions were divided.

Columnist Peter FitzSimons initiated a discussion on X, asking, “Ummm, that rendition of the National Anthem? Your thoughts?”

While some praised the performance with comments like “Loved it” and “Quite possibly the best rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard,” others were less impressed.

Criticisms included, “Lousy… we want the anthem sung with passion, not like a sleepy ballad!” and “Disgraceful, embarrassing, disgusting. It is a National Anthem not a pop song.” There were also humorous takes, such as, “Bro why are they doing an Ed Sheeran remix of the national anthem??”

Despite the mixed reactions, many appreciated Wright’s fresh take on the anthem. “And THAT’S how you sing the national anthem,” one person commented, while another said, “OK I actually like this acoustic version of the anthem.”