‘This Is Embarrassing’: Viewers React to Katy Perry’s Performance at AFL Grand Final — What Happened?

The singer delivered a vibrant performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) accompanied by energetic dancers dressed in silver and pink balloon costumes.

Katy Perry brought her roar to the AFL Grand Final pre-game performance in Melbourne, Australia. However, despite the bright display, fans found the show underwhelming, with many commenting on the amount she was reportedly paid.

On September 28, 2024, Perry performed some of her songs courtesy of Universal Music Australia and Capitol Records. She was joined by a special guest, Tina Arena, as they captivated the packed stadium for nearly 20 minutes.

Katy Perry had an outfit change as she performed on the magnificent setup made up of silver and white colors that made the dancers’ pink costumes stand out. She began her performance in a white coverup before removing it to reveal a halter-neck blue metallic crop top and white trousers with cut-outs, which she paired with futuristic shades.

The singer shared images from her performance on X, captioning them, “Went to Australia where they taught me the definition of a specky so i gave them one @AFL 🦋🏟️🏉😎.” Clips of the show Perry were also posted online.

Fans had mixed reactions to Perry’s live performance. Some couldn’t hide their disappointment, with one writing, “That was so bad. One of the worst performances ever.”

Another online user declared, “This is embarrassing,” and a fan who had similar sentiments penned, “How embarrassing lol afl is over.”

More frustrated fans flocked to the comment section saying, “Worst. Pregame. Ever,” and “Should’ve spent the $5m on improving on the AFLW instead.”

Users who couldn’t believe Perry was paid that much asked, “$5m?” “Gee, that was an underwhelming performance. $5m? For that? It wasnt Meatloaf, but it also wasn’t Killers. Mediocre more than terrible,” someone else remarked.

However, some fans came to Perry’s defense. One who attended the event said, “I was there today. She did well but the crowd audibly and visibly lost interest when she sang her new songs.”

Others praised her efforts, with one remarking, “Katy was great. One of the better AFL GF entertainments I’ve seen. Only thing I wish was on her setlist was Hot & Cold given its legendary status here. Her new music might not be that good but she still gives proper pop star performances.” Another fan agreed, “There’s no denying she’s a great pop star.”

While fans claimed Perry was paid USD 5 million, reports before the event indicated that the singer would be earning AUD 5 million, roughly equivalent to USD 3.4 million. The amount was set to reflect each of the five songs she would perform.

Perry’s AFL Grand Final performance is not the first time her shows have captured public attention. As we previously reported, her electrifying 2024 MTV VMAs performance also sparked discussion, with a body language expert analyzing her husband Orlando Bloom’s intriguing reaction to it.

On September 11, 2024, Perry took to the stage to sing some of her hit tracks at the MTV Video Music Awards, sparking public reactions.

Amid appearances from winners including Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Perry took the award ceremony by storm. She debuted a new track and drew from her back catalog to perform some of her greatest hits.

However, it was shots capturing Bloom’s reaction to his fiancé that got a lot of people talking afterward. Throughout Perry’s performance, Bloom’s face shifted between confusion and bewilderment, with a slight smile that hinted at his supportive nature.

Having introduced her on stage before the performance, he seemed proud. However, one particular clip captured his stunned reaction as Perry nearly kissed guest rapper Doechii while performing her new track, “I’m His, He’s Mine.”

Bloom looked momentarily more taken aback than before, his eyes wide in surprise, before breaking into a grin. He clapped and looked around at the crowd.

Fans couldn’t help but notice the emotions and facial expressions on Bloom’s face. One fan commented, “Orlando Bloom is reacting to this performance as if he’s never heard a single Katy Perry song before what is going on #VMAs,” capturing the bewilderment many felt.

Another fan remarked, “Was this the first time Orlando Bloom watched Katy Perry perform? Our man seem to have no idea what was going on 🤣 #VMAs #KatyPerry #OrlandoBloom,” poking fun at the actor’s seemingly confused reaction.

One fan humorously noted, “That was his Oscar loser face, pretending it’s all good when he’s really dying inside. 😂” Meanwhile, one fan couldn’t help but laugh, stating, “Orlando Bloom’s reaction to Katy Perry scissoring and kissing a girl 😂.”

Body language expert Adam Lyons analyzed Bloom’s reaction, explaining that it displayed the typical expression a man might have when seeing his partner with another woman. Lyons pointed out how Bloom’s reaction fit a common pattern in such situations, reflecting a mix of surprise and amusement.

“He’s looking around, half wondering if he can believe his eyes. He’s a kid in a toy shop and he’s just been told he can have his favorite toy,” explained the body language expert.

Bloom’s reaction aside, Perry paid tribute to him and their daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, while accepting the MTV Video Vanguard Award that night.

She also took the opportunity to commend the young artists who display confidence, agency, vulnerability, and authenticity in their work.

“I’ve heard a lot of do this, don’t say that, wear less, wear more now, hey. Don’t cut your hair. One of the biggest reasons I’m standing here right now is because I learned how to block out all of the noise,” she divulged.

Perry urged artists in the music industry, particularly women, to stay true to themselves and their art, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal integrity.