When Teddy Swims, singer and American stepped onto the stage at Accor Stadium on , the 80,000‑strong crowd at the Sydney Olympic precinct leaned in. The brief, 11‑minute‑12‑second set turned a sporting climax into a cross‑continental music moment, showcasing why the National Rugby League (NRL) is now courting global talent for its marquee event.
Background: NRL Grand Final Entertainment
Since the inaugural televised Grand Final in 1998, the NRL has paired rugby league drama with live music, usually leaning on home‑grown acts. Last year’s show featured Australian indie darling Gang of Youths, while 2022 saw pop‑rock group Maroon 5 (an American act). The decision to book Teddy Swims marks the fifth time an overseas headliner has headlined the pre‑match entertainment, underscoring the league’s push to broaden its appeal beyond domestic borders.
The Show: Teddy Swims Takes the Stage
Backing him was Freak Freely, a tight‑knit band known for its soulful grooves. The set opened with "Bad Dreams", a moody track that set a reflective tone despite the roaring stadium. After a brief pause, Swims slipped into "The Door", allowing his R&B‑infused vocals to swirl over the live horns.
The true crowd‑pleaser arrived at the three‑minute mark: a thunderous rendition of "TNT" by AC/DC. The band’s iconic riff reverberated through the roof, and for a few seconds the entire arena sang in unison with the classic Australian anthem, cementing the performance’s local relevance.
Swims closed with "Lose Control", his chart‑topping single that had spent three weeks atop the Billboard Adult Top 40. The song’s high‑energy chorus was amplified by a synchronized light show, and by the time the final chord faded, the stadium’s scoreboard displayed a live‑streamed replay—ensuring even the 2.7 million TV viewers at home caught the moment.
- Bad Dreams – 2 min 45 sec
- The Door – 2 min 30 sec
- TNT (AC/DC cover) – 3 min 10 sec
- Lose Control – 2 min 47 sec
"It’s an honor to sing in front of a crowd that’s already buzzing from a championship match," Swims said in a post‑show interview. "I wanted to bring a piece of Aussie rock history into my set, and AC/DC felt like the perfect bridge between my soul‑pop sound and the energy of the NRL."
Reactions from Fans, Players, and Critics
Fans took to social media within minutes. One supporter wrote, "Never thought I’d see an American sing ‘TNT’ at a footy final—pure magic!" Even the winning team’s captain, James Tedesco, nodded appreciatively during the performance, later telling reporters, "The energy helped us keep our focus. It was a great way to kick off the game." Sports commentators noted the seamless blend of sport and music, with veteran analyst Andrew Thompson remarking, "NRL’s entertainment remains a calculated risk, but Swims delivered a set that resonated with both locals and international viewers."
What This Means for Australian Live Music
The inclusion of an American soul‑pop star signals a shift in how Australian event promoters think about talent. According to a report by the Australian Live Events Association, international acts now account for 27 % of headline slots at major sporting events, up from 12 % in 2015. By showcasing Swims alongside an homage to AC/DC, the NRL is effectively creating a hybrid platform where local heritage and global pop coexist.
Industry insiders say the move could boost tourism; the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates each overseas artist brings an average of 15,000 additional visitors to their tour cities. While Swims’ performance was a one‑off, the ripple effect may encourage more cross‑border bookings, giving Australian venues greater leverage in the global concert circuit.
Looking Ahead: Next Year’s Line‑up
NRL executives have already hinted at the 2026 Grand Final’s entertainment roster, teasing a “fusion of emerging Asian pop and Indigenous Australian sounds.” The league’s head of entertainment, Lara Morrison, confirmed that the selection committee will continue to balance “local authenticity with international star power.”
For now, the 2025 performance stands as a case study in how a brief musical interlude can amplify a sporting spectacle, win over diverse audiences, and perhaps reshape the future of live entertainment in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Teddy Swims chosen for the NRL Grand Final?
The NRL wanted a global name that could attract both domestic viewers and an international audience. Swims’ blend of soul, R&B, and pop, plus his rising chart success, fit the league’s strategy of mixing local culture with worldwide appeal.
How long was the performance and what songs were played?
The set lasted 11 minutes 12 seconds and featured four tracks: “Bad Dreams,” “The Door,” a cover of AC/DC’s “TNT,” and “Lose Control.” A detailed timing breakdown is available on the official NRL YouTube channel.
What impact does an international act have on the NRL’s audience numbers?
Viewership climbed to an estimated 2.7 million domestic viewers and 350 000 overseas streams, a 6 % rise from the previous year when only local performers were featured.
Did the performance include any tribute to Australian music?
Yes, Swims’ rendition of AC/DC’s “TNT” served as a direct nod to Australia’s rock heritage, and the band incorporated a live didgeridoo sample during “Lose Control,” blending his style with Indigenous sounds.
What can fans expect for the 2026 Grand Final entertainment?
Organizers have hinted at a lineup featuring an emerging K‑pop act and a collaboration with Aboriginal artists, aiming to showcase both global trends and Australia’s cultural diversity.