Snoop Dogg has put an exclamation mark on his controversial AFL grand final performance after delivering what many viewers are describing as one of the best pre-game shows of all time. It followed weeks of drama after the AFL announced that the iconic American artist would get the gig, but that was largely forgotten in eye-catching scenes on the biggest Saturday on Australia’s footy calendar.
The rapper’s highly publicised pre-game show began with a video message from the 53-year-old that beamed across the big screens at the MCG. Snoop introduced grand final combatants Geelong and Brisbane and encapsulated the excitement around the AFL’s biggest day, providing an energetic rev-up for the roughly 100,000 fans packed inside the famous venue.
Snoop Dogg’s R) eye-catching AFL grand final pre-game show included a cameo from Aussie pop princess Jessica Mauboy (L). Pic: Getty
Snoop’s entrance onto the ground was as flashy as most would have imagined, with dozens of back-up dancers accompanying the 53-year-old in an expertly choreographed spectacle that resembled a mini Super Bowl performance. The hip hop legend kicked things off with global hits ‘The Next Episode’ and ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang’.
He then dialled it up a notch with another worldwide smash ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’, before introducing Aussie pop princess Jessica Mauboy for a rousing rendition of ‘Beautiful’. The beloved Aussie artist took on the chorus vocals made famous by American superstar Pharrell and she absolutely nailed it in one of the highlights of the show. Tash Sultana and Baker Boy also added some more Australian flavour.
There was an incredible nod to Australia’s first nations people as the sounds of the didgeridoo provided an Indigenous flair to another one of his most iconic tracks, ‘Gin and Juice’. And just in case there were any patrons still unclear who it was they were watching, Snoop’s final song cleared up any doubts.
AFL world reacts to glitzy Snoop Dogg pre-game show
The MCG was rocking as the rapper finished with a bang, belting out the mega-hit ‘Who am I (What’s My Name)?’, as echoes of ‘Snoop Dogg’ rang out around the MCG. Despite much of the negativity surrounding the AFL’s divisive decision to announce the rapper as the grand final entertainment – amid backlash around some of his homophobic lyrics – many viewers described it as one of the greatest pre-show performances of all time.
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It came after Snoop made an instant impact upon his arrival in Melbourne, having a kick on the MCG on Tuesday with Collingwood stars Nick and Josh Daicos. The rapper even had his own footy card made, posting it to his 88.6 million Instagram followers.
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He came through his on-stage interview flying colours earlier in the week as well, after the AFL declined to put Snoop up for an all-in media conference like previous music superstars Katy Perry and Robbie Williams had done before. “I’m expecting the crowd to be crazy, I know what this means,” Snoop said before Saturday’s show.
Snoop Dogg took centre stage at the MCG on Saturday for an incredible AFL grand final pre-game show. Pic: Getty
“I’ve been coming to this country for years and I understand what this game is and what it means. “I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I know it’s not just a team or club, it’s part of your DNA, so I understand what is at stake. I’m here to do my part and to bring what I bring to the table.” And bring it, Snoop most certainly did.
with AAP