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Ah, the sweet aroma of anticipation wafting through the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the clock ticks down to the 2024 Grand Final! Who better to headline this pre-game extravaganza than the queen of pop herself, Katy Perry? In what can only be described as one of the most "highly anticipated AFL pre-game entertainment shows in history"—a title that’s likely to make even the most seasoned event planners envious—Perry is all set to dazzle a crowd of nearly 100,000 fans.

This glorious 15-minute set marks the first-ever AFL showdown between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions. And with Perry, 39, leading the charge, she’s not alone—she’ll be joined by the incomparable Christine Anu and her daughter, Zipporah Corser-Anu, for a First Nations ceremony complete with the Songlines Youth Choir. Talk about a lineup that would make any music festival weep with jealousy!

Now, let’s talk rumors, shall we? There have been whispers of a last-minute inclusion in the form of Australian pop legend Tina Arena. Nothing like a little surprise to keep the excitement levels soaring higher than Perry on her giant gold tiger—or was it a lion? Either way, it was majestic!

The national anthem will have the honor of being sung by Commonwealth Games medallist Cody Simpson, who’s swapped the pool for his guitar, while the unofficial AFL anthem, “Up There Cazaly,” will be belted out by the commercial endurance itself, Mike Brady. It’s a veritable love letter to the Australian spirit, with a dash of star power to boot!

And what can we expect from Perry’s performance? According to the official broadcaster, Seven, we’ll be treated to “innovations” that even our wildest dreams couldn’t conjure. Perry herself has hinted at a spectacular show, teasing that we might see everything from “flying contraptions” to dancing sharks. Irony aside, her 2015 Super Bowl halftime show might just pale in comparison—except when it comes to the glitter!

“It’s going to be beautiful, elevated, nostalgic and future-forward,” she enthused during a recent press conference, squeezing in just enough buzzwords to make any marketing executive swoon. And considering it’s been nearly a decade since she rocked the stage in the U.S., one can hardly blame her for being slightly giddy. “I’m super stoked!” she declared, and honestly, who wouldn’t be?

As for her mystery Australian co-performer? Perry remains delightfully cryptic. She cheekily stated, "It’s a favourite Australian artist that I look up to," and you can practically hear the eyes rolling and ears perked up to catch a hint. As if that wasn't enough, she teased, “She is going to be singing a little bit with me, and I’ll be singing a little bit with her.” Oh, the suspense!

But, hold your horses! There’s been dramatic last-minute controversy swirling around her hit, “Roar.” Some fans suggested it could play favorites for the Lions, prompting Perry to momentarily consider cutting it from her set. “It’s not fair…that’s what everybody says!” she exclaimed, only to be met with the lively banter of enthusiastic fans insisting she needs to include it. Spoiler alert: she confirmed she'll indeed belt out “Roar.” Who can resist it when it’s practically an anthem?

As the clock ticks closer to the game, which kicks off on Saturday, September 28, at 2:30 PM in various regions, the excitement reaches a fever pitch. The Swans and Lions will clash, and it promises to be a sight to behold, especially since it’s the first Grand Final for these teams since their relocations or mergers. And tuning in? Fans can catch all the action on Seven and 7Plus in glorious 1080p HD, while radio networks provide commentary to keep the home fires burning.

The weather forecast looks as optimistic as a tailor in a fabric store, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid-20s for that exhilarating opening bounce. The stars are aligning, folks—Katy, football, and perhaps a dash of controversy. If this isn’t the sweet taste of entertainment, I don’t know what is!