NRL officials can breathe easy, Teddy Swims is set to take the stage at Sunday’s grand final. The 33-year-old American singer touched down in Sydney on Thursday, days after worrying fans by cancelling several shows in Hawaii due to illness.
Swims had walked off stage mid-performance last week, prompting speculation he might withdraw from his NRL grand final slot. But after a few days’ rest, he’s assured everyone he’s ready to go.
“I’m doing really well, we took some time and stepped everything back, and I slept for three days, but I’m back to normal now, there is no way I wasn’t coming,” Swims said on Channel Nine’s Today Show.
MORE: Johns claims Papua New Guinea NRL team will eventually dominate
Singer promises fans a show to remember
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo confirmed Swims’ recovery, saying his “voice is in great shape” for Sunday’s pre-match entertainment at Accor Stadium. The performance, starting at 6:30 pm AEDT, will lead into the Melbourne Storm’s grand final clash with the Brisbane Broncos.
Swims is expected to belt out his global hits Lose Control and Bad Dreams, along with a surprise tribute to an iconic Australian band. “I won’t say anything yet, but I think people are really going to be pumped about it,” he teased. “It’s one of my favourite groups ever, so I’m really excited to hopefully do it justice.”
Australian singer Conrad Sewell will perform the national anthem before kick-off at 7:30 pm AEDT.