'Most important thing' for Snoop Dogg ahead of 'family friendly' grand final performance
Months of planning and preparation has gone into the performance Snoop Dogg will be putting on ahead of the 2025 AFL grand final on Saturday, the rapper has stated.
The AFL made the controversial call to sign and stick with Snoop Dogg for the decider, despite criticism over previous homophobic comments and the adult-nature of his music.
However, Snoop Dogg says he loves performing in Australia and understands the significance of Saturday's stage.
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Snoop Dogg during the 2025 Grand Final Entertainment Media Opportunity AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I'm gonna do a whole heap of classic Snoop Dogg, I'm going to do things that you wouldn't expect, I'm also going to incorporate some Australian culture into my show because you guys have already rolled out the blue carpet for me, so I want to show a little bit of love and give something back," he told the AFL website.
"I understand how big this event is. I understand what it means to the culture. I just plan to come out here and do what I'm great at doing and honour y'all by doing what I do best."
Snoop Dogg has been rehearsing at Marvel Stadium on a replica stage across the week, with reports suggesting he has wanted to go above and beyond to ensure he is ready for the show, something the AFL potentially hadn't initially budgeted for.
The 53-year-old provided some insight into the work that has gone into the show.
"This is a well thought out couple of months preparation all the way down to the last day making tweaks and getting it all the way right," he said.
"Making sure it looks right, sounds right, feels right. Making sure that it's entertaining. Making sure people can sing along with it.
"That's the most important thing; making sure the 100,000 people will be entertained before the big game."
Snoop spent the afternoon earlier in the week with Collingwood stars Josh and Nick Daicos, who took him through the mechanics of kicking a Sherrin.
On his first attempt, he successfully snapped a goal from the boundary line and the rapper now feels so confident in his skills that he might just return for next year's AFL Legends' game.
"I want to get at it. I actually want to play in the celebrity game. I'm turned on now. I want to put my skills to the test and really see what I can do," he said.
"I want to play in the old timers' game."
When asked what other American celebrities might be up to the challenge of playing in an Aussie rules celebrity game, Snoop Dogg mentioned rapper 50 Cent, for his size and his endurance.
There has of course been some trepidation ahead of the pre-game entertainment, given some of the vulgar lyrics that feature in his music.
While he admitted he wasn't familiar with all of Snoop's library, AFL chief Andrew Dillon promised the entertainment would be suitable for all ages.
Snoop Dogg poses with the Premiership Cup AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I'm not necessarily across all of Snoop's songs, but I got a sneak peak on Tuesday when he was rehearsing at Marvel Stadium and I think there's going to be lots of colour and movement," Dillon told Nine's Today.
"I think there's going to be a little bit in there for everyone, so I encourage everyone to tune in.
"He's performed on the biggest stages including the Super Bowl and the Olympics, I think he's got family friendly versions of his songs."
