With a surprising twist, The Kid Laroi delivers an unforgettable performance on grand final night.
“I didn’t do it, I promise!” argued the Penrith players, insisting it deserved a sinbin. Meanwhile, Munster was put on report. It echoed the Kyle Flanagan incident from earlier this year, which led to a four-game suspension. The game continued as referee Ashley Klein clarified that no penalty could be given, since the situation was still unclear and only an allegation at this point.
Tina Turner is the exception. Her performance back in 1993, paid tribute to by the cast of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical last year, is still the best at the grand finale. A close second is Macklemore in 2017.
But there have also been grand final paydays for Tom Jones, poor Billy “just waiting’ for some power” Idol, Meat Loaf, Ricky Martin, Slash and Richie Sambora among others.
But this year, the NRL nailed it with The Kid Laroi.
He seemed like a smart choice: a genuine international star with a connection to the game, growing up in public housing at Waterloo supporting the Rabbitohs, that put Katy Perry and her cheesy overseas star call-outs (“Where’s all my Swans at? Where’s all my Lions at? “, “I love you Australia”) into stark perspective at the AFL grand final last weekend.
So successful is Laroi, whose name reflects his Kamilaroi heritage, that it’s hard to believe he’s still only 21. Even most die-hard, rock-loving league fans must have heard Laroi’s hits Stay, with Justin Bieber, and Without You, which he has recorded both solo and with Miley Cyrus.
Laroi, who told American friends that performing at the grand final was “my Super Bowl”, admitted in a pre-performance TV interview he was nervous.
But after a scene-setting montage about his Redfern roots, Laroi seemed instantly comfortable as he strode out of his dressing room dressed all in white, wearing sunglasses.
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