Kylie Minogue pays tribute to late mentor Michael Gudinski ahead of grand final performance

She’s played on some of the biggest stages in the world, but two days out from the AFL grand final a mix of nerves, excitement and anxiety are engrossing global pop icon Kylie Minogue.

After turning down the chance to perform at the biggest event on the nation’s sporting calendar for years, Minogue said it “just felt right” to headline the all-Australian line-up on stage.

“It’s led me back to centre stage at home in the most iconic venue for the most iconic game,” she told reporters on Thursday.

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“There’s so much about this moment for me that’s hard for me to grasp, so I’m kind of in awe and wonder myself at this moment.”

The pop star made special mention of her late mentor, Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski, whose company Mushroom Events organises musical talent for the AFL grand final each year.

“I thought, he literally will be doing backflips upstairs watching us … I think he’s definitely here in spirit,” she said.

Superstar Kylie Minogue holds the premiership cup before finally performing at an AFL grand final. Credit: AAP

The Locomotion and Can’t Get You Out of My Head hit-maker will perform in front of a 100,000-person crowd at the MCG on Saturday before the Brisbane Lions attempt a three-peat win against the Fremantle Dockers.

Minogue will be joined by fellow home-grown talents G-Flip, Michael Paynter and Up There Cazaly singer Mike Brady, who will mark his 48th grand final performance.

“I did feel, when we were rehearsing, that as much as the MCG is gargantuan, and even when its empty it has this incredible energy, it’s also like a massive hug,” Minogue said.

Enduring a gruelling European heatwave and soaring Latin American altitudes during her 66-show Tension tour in 2025 has primed the Melbourne-born singer and actress well for the pre-game performance.

“I can’t give much away, but we need to be in the right place, at the right time, often in the set,” she said.

“We’re talking seconds.”

The hotly anticipated setlist, personally chosen by Minogue, is expected to take fans on a nostalgic journey of her upbringing in Melbourne’s inner-east, where she spent her high school days “dreaming of pop music”.

“They’re getting a show, they’re getting a Melbourne girl performing in her home town, which is wild to me,” she said.

“I tried to choose songs that people know, a little bit of nostalgia, little bit of fun, a few surprises.

“… It will be, hopefully, a celebration for all of us.”

As for her tip for the blockbuster clash, Minogue admits that is one decision she’s yet to make.

“None of (the players) have totally cornered me and said ‘you need to go for our team’, so maybe I’ll arrive at a decision after my little grand final journey is done,” she said.