The NRL has reportedly locked in a Grammy-nominated international artist to headline its pre-match entertainment at this year’s grand final, as the league looks to compete with the AFL’s buzzworthy decision to book music icon Snoop Dogg.
According to News Corp, the performer had a chart-topping hit in Australia earlier this year and an upcoming national tour, is expected to take the stage at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 5.
With billions of streams and millions of social media followers, the artist brings significant star appeal to rugby league’s biggest night.
However, some fans believe the NRL is still playing catch-up.
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The AFL has made headlines by consistently attracting global superstars for its marquee game, including Katy Perry who performed last year and now Snoop Dogg, whose legendary status, Hall of Fame recognition, and staggering streaming numbers put him in a league of his own.
Who is the NRL’s Grand Final performer?
The artist tipped to perform is a soulful singer-songwriter named Teddy Swims, who has become a breakout star.
Teddy Swims, born Jaten Dimsdale, is a 32-year-old singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia.
Known for his powerful vocals and genre-blending style that fuses soul, R&B, pop, and country, he first built a fanbase through YouTube covers before breaking out globally with his hit single Lose Control in 2024.
Since then, he’s become a rising star in the music world, earning Grammy and MTV VMA nominations, billions of streams, and a rapidly growing international following.
His rise to global fame
Since bursting onto the music scene, the 32-year-old has racked up more than 8.7 billion streams worldwide, received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, and earned multiple MTV Video Music Award nods. He’s also built a powerful online presence, amassing nearly nine million Instagram followers.
Previous connection to Rugby League fans
This isn’t the singer’s first brush with Aussie sport. He recently partnered with Fox Sports to promote the 2024 NRL finals series, giving fans a taste of what to expect come October.