The NRL Grand Final just delivered a soul-stirring spectacle that had fans buzzing—but was it the ultimate pre-game triumph, or just another missed opportunity to steal the spotlight from the AFL? Dive in as we unpack the verdict on American soul sensation Teddy Swims' electrifying performance, and you'll see why opinions are as divided as the teams on the field.
Picture this: Before the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos clashed in an epic showdown at Accor Stadium, Teddy Swims took the stage with the kind of energy that screamed superstar status. For those new to the scene, the NRL—National Rugby League—is Australia's premier rugby league competition, and its grand final is the pinnacle of the season, much like a championship game in other sports. Swims, a globally acclaimed singer known for his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, didn't disappoint the majority of spectators, delivering a show that felt like a perfect prelude to the action-packed match.
To get everyone in the mood, check out the video above where Teddy Swims belts out an AC/DC cover that had the crowd roaring. And if you're always on the go, download the 7NEWS app today to stay updated with the latest news.
Swims kicked off his set with a condensed take on 'Bad Dreams,' one of his most popular tracks on Spotify, blending soulful melodies with raw emotion. He seamlessly transitioned into 'The Door,' another fan favorite that's racked up millions of streams, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with listeners through themes of struggle and hope. To add a distinctly Australian flair—because why not celebrate the local legends?—he delivered a spirited cover of AC/DC's timeless hit 'TNT.' It was a fitting choice, performed just steps from where AC/DC icons Angus and Malcolm Young hailed from in Sydney. In fact, Swims even paid tribute to the rock gods before the show, giving a nod to their enduring influence on music worldwide.
After a swift wardrobe switch, he wrapped up with his chart-topping smash 'Lose Control,' a song that's amassed over two billion streams on Spotify. It's a track that captures the thrill of letting go, making it an ideal closer for a high-stakes event like the grand final.
Inevitably, fans couldn't resist drawing parallels to Snoop Dogg's memorable turn at the AFL Grand Final just a week prior. For beginners, the AFL is the Australian Football League, another massive sporting code with its own grand final traditions. Many punters hailed Swims as the superior entertainer, praising the NRL for better understanding its crowd.
'Teddy Swims is way better than Snoop Dogg as grand final entertainment—NRL gets their audience better than AFL,' one enthusiastic supporter declared. 'NRL finally beat the AFL entertainment. Teddy Swims is fantastic,' chimed in another. A third fan raved, 'One of the most popular artists currently and easily one of the best pre-match entertainments we’ve ever had.' And someone else admitted, 'Being honest, I’d never heard of Teddy Swims or listened to his music until tonight. The man is absolutely top draw. Incredible voice and great performer. What a coup on NRL grand final night.'
But here's where it gets controversial—because not everyone was singing the same tune. Some critics argued that Swims' reliance on cover songs highlighted the AFL's edge in pre-game hype. 'I still don’t know who Teddy Swims is, but the fact he has to do cover songs shows you the AFL once again wins the pre-game,' one skeptic pointed out. Another jabbed, 'Nah, give me Snoop Dogg over Teddy 'Fred Flintstone' Swims. No contest,' poking fun at his eye-catching leopard-print jacket. And then there was the opinion that his rendition of 'TNT' fell flat: 'Teddy Swims just butchered AC/DC. Snoop was way better pre-game entertainment.'
This divide raises an intriguing question: Is originality in entertainment more important than star power, or does a familiar cover song hit harder for a diverse crowd? And this is the part most people miss—perhaps the real winner here is the conversation itself, sparking debates about what makes a grand final pre-show truly unforgettable. Do you think Teddy Swims outshone Snoop Dogg, or is the AFL still reigning supreme in entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the praise, or side with the critics? Let's discuss!
