Tones And I and NRL Discussions Break Down Over Grand Final Performance

Tones And I was in talks to perform this year's NRL grand final until discussions reportedly broke down around her hit song “Dance Monkey.”

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, negotiations for the local songwriter to perform at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 4th were ongoing; however, the NRL reportedly insisted that the inclusion of the global hit song in the performance was non-negotiable, which she would not commit to.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed that the NRL had been in talks with Tones And I, but will now put that money towards grassroots rugby league.

“Rather than giving a performer $90,000 a minute, we would prefer to give it to grassroots,” he said.

“We believe that the entertainment is our game. It’s more the media that put themselves into a frenzy who we get as performer. But when you look at it realistically for 11 minutes, it’s not worth it. People will come to the game with or without it. We believe the money is better spent on junior rugby league.”

He continued: “I’d prefer to spend [the money] on getting 2000 or 3000 kids who couldn’t afford to play rugby league be able to play rugby league now. We’ll give it to kids who are underprivileged who can’t afford to play the game with their mates. I think that’s a better use of the money than $90,000 a minute for an artist.”

The Music Network has contacted the NRL and Tones And I's label for comment.

US star Teddy Swims performed at last year's NRL final, which was widely pra. Meanwhile, this Saturday, at the AFL grand final, Australian icon Kylie Minogue will headline festivities for the first time ever. A string of local talent will also perform on the day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, including G Flip, Michael Paynter and Mike Brady.