Aussie icon ‘upstages’ Perry’s AFL show

Katy Perry took to the stage at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday afternoon, but all eyes were on an Australian icon instead.

US pop star Katy Perry took to the stage at the MCG before the 2024 AFL Grand Final on Saturday afternoon to belt out some of her biggest hits with the help of a very special guest.

Perry, who is reportedly making a cool $5 million to sing five songs, took to the stage wearing a halter-neck blue metallic crop top and white trousers with cut-outs, which she paired with some futuristic shades.

Katy sung some of her biggest hits, including Roar, Teenage Dream and new single Gorgeous on a giant mirrored stage surrounded by dancers dressed in orange and white.

Perry rode in on a car draped in silver. Picture: Channel 7

Perry showed off her figure in a figure-hugging metallic crop top. Picture: Channel 7

She even sang Roar, despite suggestions that it could have been seen as favourtism towards the Brisbane Lions.

Mid-way through her set, Aussie icon Tina Arena emerged from below onto the stage, and the pair performed I Kissed A Girl with a rock twist.

But the real powerhouse moment that got the crowd going was when Perry and Arena burst into a rendition of the Aussie star’s smash hit Chains.

Fans rushed to comment on the pre-match performance, and while opinion was divided on Perry, everyone fell back in love with Arena.

Perry invited Tina Arena onto the stage to perform her hit Chains. Picture: Channel 7

The pair clutched onto each other's hands as they belted out the LGBTQ+ anthem. Picture: Channel 7

“I’m not going to lie, Tina Arena sounds better than Katy Perry has been.#AFLGF,” said one viewer.

“Laughing at how Katy Perry upstaged Tina Arena on Tina’s own song Chains with the vocals (as they were trying to sing together), and then pretty much Katy goes ‘bye now Tina’ and waves her off” joked another.

A third remarked: “Tina Arena shames Katy Perry by singing in key.”

“Not sure of the wisdom of having Tina Arena singing with Katy Perry, I think Tina won the vocals!” added another viewer, while one joked: “I thought they were going to kiss!”

“Tina Arena showing up made the Katy Perry pre game entertainment ten times better #AFLGF #AFLSwansLions,” remarked another entertained viewer.

The verdict was out on Perry, with some viewers saying she delivered a “kick-ass” performance, while others questioned whether she was worth the eye-watering paycheque.

“I don’t have a problem with Katy Perry, she’s got some great songs, but I’ll not sure that performance was worth $5mil,” questioned one.

“Say what you want about Katy Perry but that felt like an NFL halftime show. What a performance. Respect,” commented another.

Perry rounded out her show with a rousing version of her smash hit Firework, before screaming: “I love you Australia!”

Christine Anu took to the stage before Katy Perry's show. Picture: Channel 7

Between rehearsals for the performance, where she reportedly clashed with producers who didn’t want her to perform any songs of her new record, Perry made sure to pay a visit to an Australian viral sensation.

However, sadly the little chap gave the pop star the cold shoulder. 

Pesto the penguin, who resides at Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium, has been dubbed a “fatty”, an “absolute unit” and a “linebacker”.

Katy Perry visits viral baby penguin Pesto at Sealife Melbourne Aquarium. Picture: Instagram

Katy Perry visits viral baby penguin Pesto at Sealife Melbourne Aquarium. Picture: Instagram

“Visited Pesto last night,” Perry said on Instagram. “He told me who will win in the AFL grand final tomorrow, but my lips are sealed.”

In one clip, Perry went in for a one-on-one chat with Pesto and even offered him a fistbump, to which the little chap not so politely declined.

Maybe he’s more of a Swiftie!

Originally published as Aussie icon ‘upstages’ Perry’s AFL show