Snoop Dogg, one of the most successful artists in American pop music history, will perform at the AFL Grand Final’s pre-match entertainment on 27 September. His birth name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. The performance, scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has already caused a major uproar. Critics, including Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, are urging the Australian Football League (AFL) to reconsider its decision to feature the artist, citing his past and the influence of his music.
In fact, according to some reports, the AFL has already agreed to pay Snoop Dogg $2 million for his performance. This whopping sum has sent hearts racing among fans of Aussie talent. After the ruling, according to her recent remarks, Hanson-Young said she was very upset by the ruling. “Why is the AFL bringing in an international artist, a slur merchant, and paying them $2 million rather than backing Aussie talent?” she questioned during a press conference.
It hasn’t been an uncontroversial history. In 2007, the Coalition government stood firm and banned him from entering the country. This decision was based on his previous felony drug and gun convictions in the U.S. But as a global entertainer, his status is only getting stronger. His creativity has blown away more than 100 million people at the Super Bowl, the NFL National Championship game, and the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Snoop Dogg has had a wildly successful music career, but he’s passionate about helping to rehabilitate young people. Dennis is always looking for ways to connect more deeply and positively with his audience. In a past interview, he stated, “I am more sensitive and more vulnerable writing-wise and accepting a woman for being a beautiful person,” reflecting on how his views toward women have evolved over the years.
With the grand final fast approaching, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has staunchly defended the decision to have Snoop Dogg in such a lineup. He described the lead-up entertainment as a family-friendly concert and addressed the nuanced histories of the artists in question. “We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has appeared on our stage — Australian or international,” Dillon remarked. Further, he made the point that Snoop Dogg’s involvement was a reflection of his present-day persona and not a reaction to previous controversies. Equally important to keep in mind is that we recruited Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the type of leader he has developed into today.
“Can’t wait to see y’all in September for the Telstra pre-game entertainment brought to you by … me,” he stated in an interview with Sky News. He is intent on producing a spectacular opening ceremony show at the MCG that people will remember forever.
The statement continued, “The AFL Grand Final draws a huge audience, with more than six million fans watching live each year. Supporters and critics alike are eagerly observing how this performance plays out. That’s why they’re both so excited about what it might mean for Australian culture and talent.
Hanson-Young is still out here trying to stop Snoop Dogg from performing, arguing that it’s a bad message even if the concert isn’t cancelled. “Yet Snoop Dogg is set to get $2 million to play his misogynistic, homophobic music on our turf,” she said passionately. She urged the AFL to reconsider its decision, stating, “I urge the AFL to have the guts to dump slur-merchant Snoop Dogg and let an Aussie artist rock the stage instead.”
