Imagine the roar of 80,000 football fans, the electric buzz of a major sporting event, and a rising star stepping onto the stage to deliver a performance that leaves everyone speechless. That's the magic of Teddy Swims at the NRL Grand Final pre-show—and it sparked a heartfelt revelation from the artist himself. But here's where it gets personal: What if this moment wasn't just about the spotlight, but a deep connection that changed everything for him?
Just over a week ago, Teddy Swims took center stage for the entertainment leading up to the NRL Grand Final, a massive rugby league championship in Australia that's like the Super Bowl for Aussie sports fans. The 33-year-old singer captivated everyone, starting strong with his popular track 'Bad Dreams,' transitioning into 'The Door,' and then surprising the crowd with a high-energy cover of the legendary AC/DC hit 'T.N.T.' For those new to this, AC/DC is an iconic rock band from Australia, known for their hard-hitting anthems that get crowds pumping, so covering them at such an event is like paying homage to national heroes.
This wasn't just another gig for Swims; it turned out to be an incredibly meaningful experience for him too. Speaking on Nova's 'Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel' show a couple of nights ago, he described it as the ultimate 'pinch me' moment in his career. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about the fame, but the genuine immersion into the culture.
'NRL felt incredibly special to me,' he shared. 'It was like being right in the heart of the culture... Usually, we're just flying in and out, but this time, I really got to be part of it, and it felt amazing.' For Swims, performing in front of that massive Aussie audience made all the difference. 'Australia has always felt like home,' he explained. 'But that night, it truly felt like I was embraced by the country and held close. It was such a beautiful moment.'
His setlist wrapped up with his chart-topping song 'Lose Control,' and the crowd's enthusiastic cheers as he hit those final notes showed just how much the footy supporters loved it. After traveling all the way down under for the show, Swims is now kicking off the Oceania part of his tour, with his debut performance already in the books at Qudos Bank Arena last night. The tour rolls on through Australia and New Zealand, giving fans more chances to catch him live.
Swims' love for Australia and its musical scene was evident even before the Grand Final. On the Today Show just days earlier, he opened up about his plans to honor AC/DC, calling them 'one of my all-time favorite bands' and expressing excitement about 'hopefully doing justice to their legacy—I know it's going to blow people's minds.'
Of course, tributes like this can stir up opinions. Is it respectful to remix or cover rock legends for a modern crowd, or does it risk diluting their original edge? Some might argue it bridges generations, while others could see it as a bold reinterpretation that sparks debate. What do you think—does Swims' choice to blend soulful pop with rock classics make him a cultural bridge-builder, or is it a controversial move that challenges traditional fandom?
For more celebrity insights, check out this piece on Kim Kardashian's latest Skims launch that's raising eyebrows, or read about Nicole Kidman's 'healthy habit' helping her through a breakup, and Liam Payne's ex sharing memories ahead of the anniversary of his passing. Want daily updates on entertainment? Sign up for our 9honey newsletter right here. And don't forget to follow us on WhatsApp for the latest in celebrity, lifestyle, and opinion—straight to your phone, no frills, no algorithms, and completely private.
So, was Swims' NRL moment a career-defining triumph, or just another show? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree it's as special as he says, or is there something about celebrity tours in sports events that rubs you the wrong way? We'd love to hear your take!
