AFL fans were captivated by Australian singer Christine Anu and her daughter Zipporah’s emotional performance of Island Home at the AFL Grand Final. The mother-daughter duo stunned the audience of 100,000 at the MCG with their rendition of the 1995 hit, with many fans praising Zipporah’s singing abilities. Viewers took to social media to express their admiration for the pair, questioning why they were not the main act instead of Katy Perry. Many were in awe of the performance, calling it incredibly beautiful and heartfelt.
The performance by Christine Anu and her daughter took place just before Katy Perry’s appearance on stage as the main pregame headlining entertainment. Perry’s 20-minute set began with a rendition of her hit song, Roar, despite speculation that she may not perform it due to potential biases. She continued with other popular songs such as Teenage Dreams, Firework, and California Gurls. Perry also sang I Kissed A Girl with Tina Arena, though she notably left out Hot n Cold, a song many fans expected her to perform. While fans praised her vocal talent, some were puzzled by an unusual detail in her performance.
Viewers at home mocked Perry’s use of CGI effects during her performance, with many finding the futuristic effects distracting and out of place for an AFL Grand Final. The CGI elements, including gold love hearts and a galaxy-style black hole, garnered mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some criticizing the decision to use CGI instead of practical effects. However, some fans defended Perry, praising her upbeat performance despite the visual effects mishap. Overall, opinions on Perry’s performance were divided, with some enjoying it while others found it lacking.
Ahead of the AFL Grand Final, local Australian musicians voiced their frustration over the reported $5 million payment to Katy Perry for her 20-minute set. As artists in Australia struggle to secure gigs due to the high cost of living, the hefty sum paid to the American pop star was met with criticism. Many local musicians and fans questioned the value of investing such a large amount in international talent while neglecting local artists. Despite the backlash, Perry’s performance at the AFL Grand Final received a range of reactions from fans, with some enjoying her set and others expressing disappointment in the allocation of funds for the event.
The singalong rendition of Island Home by Christine Anu and Zipporah at the AFL Grand Final captivated audiences and garnered praise for its heartfelt delivery. The emotional performance, alongside criticism of Katy Perry’s pricey appearance, sparked discussions about investing in local talent and the value of international acts at major events. While opinions on the various performances were divided, the shared experience of music and entertainment brought fans together during the highly anticipated sporting event. Ultimately, the AFL Grand Final showcased a range of musical talents and performances that resonated with audiences in different ways.
