The AFL has announced that American rapper Snoop Dogg will perform at the 2025 AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 53-year-old, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is known for his decades-long music career and association with marijuana, which has raised questions given the AFL's ongoing review of its illicit drugs policy.
Snoop Dogg has previously entertained sports audiences, including a performance at the 2022 Super Bowl alongside Dr Dre and Kendrick Lamar. He also served as a special correspondent for NBC during the Paris Olympics. In a video announcement, he said: '100,000 fans. And the two best teams. And your boy big Snoop D-O-double G at the M-C-G. Can't wait to see y'all in September.'
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon dismissed concerns that the artist does not reflect Australian culture, stating: 'He's an iconic musical act, iconic performer, he's also really well-known for his collaborations. I'm sure we'll see a lot of Australian talent as part of the pre-game entertainment.' The show will be produced by Mushroom Group, whose chief executive Matt Gudinski confirmed that Australian artists will be added to the lineup.
Snoop Dogg has previously secured Australian visas despite his criminal record, which includes drug and gun possession charges. His last Australian tour was in 2023, with seven shows including two at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. He follows pop star Katy Perry, who performed at the 2024 grand final, and glam rock band Kiss in 2023.
Dillon added: 'The AFL grand final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar – and this year, it just got a whole lot bigger. Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer. He's played to packed stadiums around the world – but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet.'
