Picture this: a sold-out stadium buzzing with anticipation as a fresh-faced talent honors the gods of rock 'n' roll right before one of Australia's biggest sporting showdowns. That's the electrifying scene that unfolded at the 2025 NRL Grand Final pre-show, where Teddy Swims delivered a performance that had everyone talking. But here's where it gets controversial – is it a bold risk for a soul-pop artist to tackle the raw energy of AC/DC, or a genius way to bridge generations? Let's dive in and unpack the details, making sure even newcomers to the NRL scene can follow along easily.
Teddy Swims, the 33-year-old sensation whose real name is Jaten Dimsdale, took the stage at Accor Stadium to entertain the massive crowd of over 80,000 fans ahead of the NRL Grand Final. For those just getting into rugby league, the NRL is Australia's premier rugby league competition, and its Grand Final is like the Super Bowl of Aussie sports – a high-stakes clash that unites the nation. Swims kicked things off with his chart-topping hit 'Bad Dreams,' followed by 'The Door,' showcasing his powerful vocals that left the audience in awe. Remarkably, there was no trace of the vocal strain that had forced him to cancel shows in Hawaii just a week earlier – a testament to his quick recovery.
Then came the moment that really set the crowd ablaze: Swims launched into AC/DC's legendary anthem 'T.N.T.' This wasn't just any cover; it was a heartfelt nod to the Australian rock icons who have defined hard rock for decades. Swims had hinted at this tribute in an interview with Today on Friday, calling AC/DC 'one of my favorite groups ever' and expressing excitement about 'hopefully doing it justice and knowing people are going to lose their minds.' And lose their minds they did – the energy was palpable as fans erupted in cheers.
He wrapped up his set with another smash hit, 'Lose Control,' and the crowd went wild, cheering loudly as he nailed the final lines. This performance perfectly set the tone for the Grand Final itself, where the Brisbane Broncos faced off against the Melbourne Storm in what promised to be an unforgettable match. And this is the part most people miss – how Swims' choice of songs, blending his soulful style with rock classics, created a bridge between different music eras, appealing to fans of all ages.
But let's talk about the drama behind the scenes. Swims had faced doubts about whether he'd even make it to the stage. The American singer-songwriter had to pull out of concerts in Hawaii over the weekend due to losing his voice mid-performance on Friday. He shared the tough news on Instagram, apologizing to fans in Honolulu: 'I'm so sorry to let you know that both tonight's show (Saturday, Sept 27th) and tomorrow's (Sunday, Sept 28th) rescheduled performance will not be taking place. My doctor hasn't cleared me to sing, and I need a little more time to recover before I can give you the show you deserve.' He added, 'I hate to disappoint you and truly apologize for letting you down. Thank you for your love, patience, and understanding. I can't wait until I'm back and able to sing for you again.' Despite this setback, Swims flew all the way to Australia, determined not to miss out.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo reassured everyone that Swims was on the mend. 'We had confirmation that he's making a great recovery and his voice is in great shape, so he'll be good for Sunday,' Abdo told NewsWire. Swims himself chimed in during his Today appearance, saying, 'I'm doing really well; we took some time and stepped everything back, and I slept for three days, but I'm back to normal now. There was no way I wasn't coming.' He even revealed he brought along his girlfriend, Raiche Wright, and their three-month-old son for the trip, adding a personal touch to his journey.
Abdo explained why they chose Swims for the event: 'We're really excited because he's an artist who appeals to so many different people. Just take my family for example – if he's playing on Spotify, then everyone is enjoying his music.' Swims is indeed a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum superstar, famous for hits like 'Lose Control' and 'Bad Dreams.' His sound mixes soul, country, and pop, creating a unique vibe that's hard to pin down but easy to love. He first gained traction by uploading song covers on YouTube back in 2019 and 2020, before breaking big in 2023 with his debut album, 'I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1).' It's a story of humble beginnings turning into global success, which might inspire aspiring musicians out there.
Looking ahead, Swims is gearing up for a tour across Australia and New Zealand, starting at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on October 14. Fans can expect more of that soulful energy live.
For more celebrity buzz, check out these related reads: A lifelong Swiftie's take on 'The Life of a Showgirl' (exploring Taylor Swift's latest project), all the songs Keith Urban penned for Nicole Kidman (a deep dive into their musical connection), and the Oasis member's decision to skip Aussie shows due to a cancer battle (a poignant update on the band's reunion tour).
And here's a controversial twist to ponder: Some might argue that booking an American artist for an iconic Australian event like the NRL Grand Final dilutes the local flavor, prioritizing global appeal over homegrown talent. Others see it as a smart move to attract wider audiences. What do you think – does Swims' tribute to AC/DC honor Australia's rock heritage, or is it just a catchy crossover? Should major events stick to local stars, or is diversity in entertainment a good thing? Share your opinions in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take!
For a daily scoop on all things entertainment, lifestyle, and more, sign up for our 9honey newsletter here. And don't forget to follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates – no comments, no algorithm, and your details stay private.
