Kylie Minogue's AFL Grand Final Performance Sparks Mixed Reactions

Kylie Minogue's pre-game performance at the 2026 AFL Grand Final has drawn a polarized response from fans, with many expressing disappointment while a segment of the audience lauded her energy.

The pop superstar, 58, took to the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a 20-minute set. Reports suggest Minogue was paid $3 million for the performance.

Many viewers at home took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction. Comments ranged from "bloody shocking" and "horrendously bad" to observations that the performance sounded like "karaoke versions of her own songs." Some criticized the audio quality and synchronization of the backup dancers, with one user noting, "Every single dancer is off time? Making Kylie look second class."

However, a portion of the audience defended the Melbourne-born artist. Supporters praised her performance as "brilliant" and "the greatest pre-game performance of all time," with some urging critics to "learn how to have fun."

Minogue's setlist included hits such as "Love At First Sight," "The Loco-Motion," "Can't Get You Out of My Head," and "Confide In Me." She was later joined by G Flip to perform her recent chart-topper, "Padam Padam."

Ahead of the performance, Minogue expressed a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I am nervous, excited right now. I am all those things," she stated during a press conference in Melbourne. "When it comes to just about to go on, maybe I will feel right at home. I don't know."

During rehearsals, Minogue was seen on a podium lifted high above the stadium, performing an energetic routine while secured by a safety harness. She also donned a distressed shirt dress with the words "I'm home" emblazoned across the front.

Minogue's performance was for a sell-out crowd of 100,000 people at the MCG. The AFL had reportedly considered Minogue a long-term "wish list" artist for their major event.