‘This is disgraceful’: Viewers react to Katy Perry’s AFL Grand Final performance – What happened?

Katy Perry brought her roar to the pre-match performance of the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, Australia. However, despite the brilliant display, fans found the show disappointing, with many commenting on the amount she was allegedly paid.

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

Katy Perry changed her outfit while performing on the gorgeous silver and white stage, which highlighted the dancers’ pink outfits. She began her performance in a white jumpsuit before removing it to show off a metallic blue halterneck crop top and white cutout pants, which she paired with futuristic glasses.

The singer shared footage from her performance at X, captioning it : “ Went to Australia where they taught me the definition of a specky so I gave them one @AFL 🦋🏟️🏉😎.” Clips from Perry’s show 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 stated : “This is embarrassing,” and a fan who had similar sentiments wrote : “Such a shame lol the afl is over.”

More frustrated fans took to the comments section saying: “Worst pre-match ever” and “They should have spent the $5m on improving the AFLW.”

Users who couldn’t believe Perry was paid so much asked : “$5m?” “Wow, that was a disappointing performance. $5m? That’s why? It wasn’t Meatloaf, but it wasn’t Killers either. Mediocre rather than terrible,” commented another person.

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

Others praised her efforts, with one commenting : “Katy was great. One of the best AFL GF shows I’ve seen. The only thing I wish was on her setlist was Hot & Cold, given her legendary status here. Her new music may not be as good, but she still delivers pop star-worthy performances.” Another fan agreed : “There’s no denying she’s a huge pop star.”

Although fans claimed Perry was paid $5 million, reports leading up to the event indicated the singer would earn $5 million AUD, roughly equivalent to $3.4 million USD. The amount was set based on each of the five songs she would perform.

Perry’s AFL Grand Final performance isn’t the first to capture the public’s attention. As we previously reported, her electrifying performance at the 2024 MTV VMAs also sparked debate, with a body language expert analysing her partner Orlando Bloom’s intriguing reaction.

On September 11, 2024, Perry took the stage to sing some of her hits at the MTV Video Music Awards, sparking reactions from the audience.

Amid appearances by winners Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Perry swept the awards ceremony, debuting a new song and drawing from her catalog to perform some of her biggest hits.

However, it was the footage of Bloom’s reaction to his fiancée that got people talking. During Perry’s performance, Bloom’s face oscillated between confusion and bewilderment, with a slight smile that hinted at his support.

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

Bloom looked momentarily more bewildered than before, his eyes wide with surprise, before breaking into a smile. He clapped his hands and looked out at the audience.

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 like he’s never heard a single Katy Perry song before what’s going on #VMAs,” capturing the bewilderment many were feeling.

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

One fan humorously pointed out : “That was his Oscar loser face, pretending everything is fine when he’s actually dying inside 😂.” Meanwhile, one fan couldn’t help but laugh, claiming : “Orlando Bloom’s reaction to Katy Perry doing the scissor and kissing a girl 😂.”

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

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

Aside from Bloom’s reaction, 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 praise 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 main reasons I’m here right now is because I learned to block out all the noise,” she said .

You may be interested in: Katy Perry’s QR code on her back confuses users: what does it mean?

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

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