AFL can’t get Kylie out of their head. But there’s one hitch to a grand performance

As the AFL trumpeted the signing of US rapper Snoop Dogg as the headline act for the pre-game entertainment on grand final day, Australian icon Kylie Minogue was notably absent from the billing – again.

Minogue has been a priority for league heavyweights for years, but the AFL’s decision to keep the season decider in an afternoon timeslot meant she would not be in the running.

Kylie Minogue has never performed at the AFL grand final, while Snoop Dogg has confirmed he will be the entertainment at this year’s decider.Credit: Joe Armao / Getty

The Australian superstar, who is equal parts performer and vocalist, referenced her desire to use lights and pyrotechnics during a potential performance when she spoke to the AFL in 2022.

And an AFL source and a high-level source within the music industry, who both spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations, confirmed Minogue was not the only international superstar who cited the afternoon timeslot as a factor in their decision.

Minogue’s management was contacted for comment but referred this masthead back to the AFL.

Robbie Williams eventually performed in 2022 in what was almost universally described as a sensational performance in perfect sunshine at the MCG.

In June, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed this year’s decider would begin at 2.30pm AEST.

But five industry sources who spoke to this masthead said Seven owner Kerry Stokes, AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder, at least two other commissioners and several AFL executives believe the grand final should begin in the twilight timeslot of 4.40pm.

Seven holds the exclusive broadcast rights to the grand final, and wants the game played later.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’d love to see the AFL grand final in a later time slot, giving more Australians the opportunity to experience the biggest sporting event of the year in prime time,” Seven head of AFL Gary O’Keeffe told this masthead on Tuesday.

“Australian football is a vital part of Seven’s unrivalled live and free sport offering, and we will continue to work closely with the AFL on all discussions surrounding the broadcast. We look forward to again bringing this year’s AFL Grand Final live, free and exclusive on Seven.”

Earlier, Dillon was asked if the time of performance was discussed in negotiations with Snoop.

“Not really … I’ve talked about Super Bowl and also Paris Olympics, and both of those massive performances were done in daylight,” Dillon said.

Snoop performed in bright sunshine for the closing ceremony in Paris, when the performance was beamed in from California to the nighttime show. He and close friend and collaborator Dr. Dre were part of an all-star line-up that included Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and H.E.R.

Snoop Dogg at last year’s Paris Olympics.Credit: Getty; AP

Snoop and Dr. Dre also performed in the NFL’s Super Bowl LVI half-time show at SoFi Stadium in 2022, along with hip hop royalty Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.

Their half-time show started just after 5pm on the west coast and 8pm on the east coast of the US.

If the AFL did go with a twilight start in future, the performances now shown pre-game would be moved to half-time to ensure it happened under lights.

The half-time break would be extended from 18 minutes to 25 to give production staff enough time to “bump in” and “bump out” of the performance.

‘A pioneer, a performer and a true entertainer’

One industry source estimated that Snoop was costing the AFL $1.4 million for his pre-match appearance.

The 53-year-old from California is known for his songs Drop It Like It’s Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild and Free and has been nominated for 16 Grammys and has 88.6 million followers on Instagram.

Dillon said Snoop Dogg was a perfect fit for grand final day.

“Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer. He’s played to packed stadiums around the world – but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet,” he said.

“We want grand final day to be an unforgettable celebration of footy – and beyond the four quarters of the match, a celebration of culture, energy, and entertainment. Snoop fits that brief better than anyone.”

Snoop, whose real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus jnr, said he was excited to perform at the MCG.

“It’s an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL grand final – it’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar. Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable,” he said.

It marks the third year in a row that an American act will headline the grand final entertainment after pop star Katy Perry featured in 2024 and KISS performed in 2023.

Katy Perry performing at the MCG in 2024.Credit: Getty

But Snoop Dogg has also been plagued by controversy.

Convicted of drug and gun possession in the 1990s, he was also charged with murder in 1993 following the death of an alleged gang member, but was acquitted of the charge in 1996.

In 2007, he was denied an Australian visa after failing a character test, stopping him from appearing at the MTV Australian Music Video awards.

But Dillon shrugged off concerns about the artist’s past.

“He’s been back into Australia a number of times since then, and he’s touring all around the world,” Dillon told ABC Melbourne.

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