It appears that Katy Perry and the AFL found themselves in a stalemate over the “Dark Horse” singer’s Grand Final performance. 

Back in July, the AFL announced Perry’s 2024 AFL Grand Final performance, which stirred some controversy with The Greens attempting to have her removed. However, that wasn’t the only drama unfolding, as footy journalist Tom Morris disclosed the AFL’s “extraordinary request” behind the scenes. 

On SEN Breakfast, Morris revealed that the AFL requested Perry to perform only her most popular hits from her discography, such as “Teenage Dream”, “I Kissed A Girl”, and “Roar”. They weren’t interested in any of her lesser-known tracks like “Woman’s World”! 

With the singer having just released her new album 143, she resisted, wanting to include two new singles in her performance. After all, she needs to promote the album somehow, especially considering the public and critical reception of 143 is… less than favorable. 

According to Morris, a compromise was reached allowing Perry to perform one new song. This might be for the best, Katy! Perhaps it’s wise to keep this album under wraps as much as possible.

AFL legends Nathan Buckley and Kane Cornes discussed the situation on SEN Breakfast, suggesting that if the AFL had specific demands, they should have been included in her original contract.

“The AFL are saying, ‘We only want your hits. We only want your bangers’,” Cornes explained. “We want ‘Roar’, we want ‘Teenage Dream’, we want ‘Firework’. They want all the songs we know and love. And she’s insisted, ‘No, no, I want to perform two of my new songs.’

“She’s clearly thinking, ‘I want to promote some of my new music’.”

Buckley mentioned that the AFL might have made a misstep by not specifying which songs they wanted her to perform in the first place. 

“I believe if they wanted [input on the set list], they should have included it in the contract. It’s too late now to request something that isn’t in the contract. If it indeed is, then Katy, you’ll just have to comply,” Buckley remarked. 

“She seems like someone who would stand her ground. She might be a bit challenging. You ask her to do ‘A’, and she’ll do ‘B’ instead.”

The exact amount the AFL spent to secure such a major superstar for the Grand Final is unknown, but The Herald Sun estimated it to be around $5 million. 

In her announcement back in July, she expressed genuine excitement about returning to Australia to perform for her Aussie fans. 

“I’m thrilled to be back in Australia and to perform at the mighty MCG in front of 100,000 of the best and loudest fans in the world at this year’s Toyota AFL Grand Final. See you in September Oi Oi Oi!” she wrote. 

The AFL Grand Final is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, September 28, 2024, featuring the Sydney Swans going head-to-head against the Brisbane Lions. Surely, the Lions will be hoping Perry performs “Roar”.

Lead image: AFL, Getty