Tones and I Pulls Out of NRL Grand Final Performance Over Song Dispute
Singer reportedly refused to perform "Dance Monkey," prompting NRL to donate the allocated $1 million to junior rugby league.
The NRL Grand Final will proceed without a headline musical act on Sunday following a dispute with Australian singer Tones and I, whose real name is Toni Watson. Negotiations reportedly collapsed days before the event at Sydney's Accor Stadium.
The disagreement centered on Watson's refusal to commit to performing her hit song "Dance Monkey," despite the National Rugby League's insistence, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys stated that Watson was offered approximately $1 million for an 11-minute performance, equating to $90,000 per minute.
V'landys announced that the NRL will instead donate $1 million to underprivileged children in junior rugby league programs, deeming it a better investment than paying for a major musical act. "We believe that the entertainment is our game," V'landys told the publication. "People will come to the game with or without it. We believe the money is better spent on junior rugby league."
Historically, the NRL Grand Final has featured prominent performers, including American singer Teddy Swims in 2025 and The Kid Laroi in 2024. Other past performers have included Good Charlotte, Jimmy Barnes, and Tina Turner. The absence of a pre-game musical act marks a significant shift from the event's typical programming, which usually draws significant attention from both the stadium crowd and television viewers.
In contrast, the Australian Football League's Grand Final on Saturday is set to feature pop star Kylie Minogue. Minogue is expected to perform a 20-minute set at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The AFL has reportedly agreed to a payment of $3 million for her performance, according to New Idea magazine.
