AFL Grand Final 2024 entertainment Katy Perry: All the reactions from the pre-game show

Katy Perry has owned the middle of the MCG, wowing those there in person and leaving those watching at home bewildered at the CGI with a performance that’s reignited debate over a night grand final.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Katy Perry performs before the AFL Grand Final match between Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 28, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Whatever they paid Katy Perry, it was worth it, even if tradition made it hard to see.

Footy fans always say they prefer the day grand final but entertainment fans want it at night and Perry’s fantastic pre-game set would have been so much better in dusk.

You’re a firework, @katyperry 🎆

Katy Perry appears courtesy of Universal Music Australia/Capitol Records.#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/EfuyyZg7l4

— AFL (@AFL) September 28, 2024

The pop superstar rode into the MCG on a silver reflective car – straight out of the Elon Musk workshop – before dominating from a mirrored stage.

It was a sight to see, if only it was all fully visible, with the Melbourne sun putting the glare in the eyes of spectators.

You can’t put any fault on Perry though.

Is Katy Perry riding on a giant shiny version of a handheld vacuum cleaner pic.twitter.com/drSdq3ZtSu

— Sarah Black (@_sjblack) September 28, 2024

Katy Perry riding a giant goon bag onto the ground on #AFLGF day who says we have no culture pic.twitter.com/ftjazf1syH

— Mitch (@M_1tch) September 28, 2024

Katy Perry and Tina Arena performing “I Kissed A Girl/Chains” at “AFL Grand Final”. pic.twitter.com/TvmRmEf45k

— Katy Perry Today (@todaykatyp) September 28, 2024

Won’t accept any slander.

Katy Perry killed it.#AFLGF

— Mitch Turner (@Mitch_Turner3) September 28, 2024

The American had the crowd eating out of her hand when playing hits ‘Roar’, ‘Teenage Dream’ and finale ‘Firework’.

The crowd was absolutely on board during those classic hits and dug right in when Tina Arena joined the stage for ‘I Kissed a Girl’.

She blew past the reported five song setlist and while the new tunes were obviously the flattest, they will be forgiven.

Katy Perry performing at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

"Right arm over please ump"#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/gucx6TrfOR

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) September 28, 2024

There may have been some lip synching but that is fair enough, she gave enough of her voice to the crowd, and at some point early the acoustics made it hard to hear her anyway.

Nobody really remembers Robbie Williams singing a new one – and apologising for it – in 2022.

.@katyperry has the ‘G roaring 🗣️

Katy Perry appears courtesy of Universal Music Australia/Capitol Records.#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/HDz7PQ7N4W

— AFL (@AFL) September 28, 2024

The literal firework finale took off and was perfectly received, and didn’t the singer absolutely love it afterwards.

If she was handed a $5m cheque by Andrew Dillon on her way out the MCG, it was well earned.

Katy Perry coming for Meatloaf's crown. #AFLGF

— Damo (@DamoSC) September 28, 2024

At least Meatloaf sang live. #AFLGF

— maddie (@maddiemelb) September 28, 2024

Amazing opening number from Katy Perry #AFLGFpic.twitter.com/FZG1KTfeV8

— jackadactyl (@jackadactyl6) September 28, 2024

Perry’s act slots in above Kiss from last year but just behind Williams in 2022, as the AFL has pretty well nailed pre-match entertainment since Covid.

If only those fireworks were lighting up the night sky.