{"id":634335,"date":"2026-09-24T08:24:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T08:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/634335\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T08:24:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T08:24:12","slug":"kylie-minogue-pays-tribute-to-late-mentor-michael-gudinski-ahead-of-grand-final-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/634335\/","title":{"rendered":"Kylie Minogue pays tribute to late mentor Michael Gudinski ahead of grand final performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nShe\u2019s played on some of the biggest stages in the world, but two days out from the AFL<\/a> grand final a mix of nerves, excitement and anxiety are engrossing global pop icon Kylie Minogue.<\/p>\n

After turning down the chance to perform at the biggest event on the nation\u2019s sporting calendar for years, Minogue said it \u201cjust felt right\u201d to headline the all-Australian line-up on stage. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s led me back to centre stage at home in the most iconic venue for the most iconic game,\u201d she told reporters on Thursday. <\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s so much about this moment for me that\u2019s hard for me to grasp, so I\u2019m kind of in awe and wonder myself at this moment.\u201d <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought, he literally will be doing backflips upstairs watching us … I think he\u2019s definitely here in spirit,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\"SuperstarSuperstar Kylie Minogue holds the premiership cup before finally performing at an AFL grand final. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

The Locomotion and Can\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cI 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\u2019s also like a massive hug,\u201d Minogue said. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t give much away, but we need to be in the right place, at the right time, often in the set,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re talking seconds.\u201d <\/p>\n

The hotly anticipated setlist, personally chosen by Minogue, is expected to take fans on a nostalgic journey of her upbringing in Melbourne\u2019s inner-east, where she spent her high school days \u201cdreaming of pop music\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re getting a show, they\u2019re getting a Melbourne girl performing in her home town, which is wild to me,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to choose songs that people know, a little bit of nostalgia, little bit of fun, a few surprises. <\/p>\n

\u201c… It will be, hopefully, a celebration for all of us.\u201d <\/p>\n

As for her tip for the blockbuster clash, Minogue admits that is one decision she\u2019s yet to make. <\/p>\n

\u201cNone of (the players) have totally cornered me and said \u2018you need to go for our team\u2019, so maybe I\u2019ll arrive at a decision after my little grand final journey is done,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sneak peek into Aussie mega-star\u2019s AFL grand final gig<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

V\u2019landys teases grand final \u2018surprise\u2019 but says singers \u2018should pay us\u2019<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

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