Teddy Swims' Emotional NRL Grand Final Performance: A Home Away from Home (2025)

Imagine the thrill of performing for a roaring crowd of over 80,000 passionate football fans under the bright lights of a major sporting event—now picture that moment becoming the absolute pinnacle of your career. But here's where it gets truly heartwarming: Teddy Swims, the talented 33-year-old singer, just opened up about his electrifying appearance at the NRL Grand Final pre-show, revealing it was far more than just a gig. Let's dive into the details and explore why this experience left such a lasting impact on him.

Just over a week ago, Teddy Swims took center stage during the pre-show entertainment for the NRL Grand Final, captivating rugby league enthusiasts with an unforgettable set. The performance kicked off with his popular track 'Bad Dreams,' seamlessly flowing into 'The Door,' and then exploded with an energetic rendition of AC/DC's classic hit 'T.N.T.' For many Australian fans, this was a magical highlight of the day, but for Swims, it was deeply personal and transformative.

In a candid chat on Nova's radio show with hosts Ricki-Lee, Tim, and Joel, Swims shared that the NRL event represented the biggest 'pinch me' moment of his professional journey. 'NRL was really something so special to me,' he expressed, emphasizing how it allowed him to immerse himself in the heart of Australian culture—something rare for touring artists who often come and go quickly. 'Most of the time we're kind of flying in and flying out, and so to really be a part of the thing, it felt so good.' And this is the part most people miss: for Swims, standing on that stage in front of an Aussie audience made all the difference.

He went on to explain that Australia has always felt like a second home to him, a place where he feels embraced and cherished. 'This has always felt like a home to me, you know,' he said. 'But that really felt like I was really taken in by Australia and loved and like held, you know. And that was such a beautiful moment.' It's moments like these that remind us how music can bridge cultures and create genuine connections—for beginners in the entertainment world, think of it as the ultimate validation, where your art resonates on a deep, emotional level with people from a different background.

Swims wrapped up his set with another fan favorite, 'Lose Control,' and the response was electric: the crowd erupted in cheers as he delivered the song's powerful closing lines, proving that even football fans can get swept up in soulful vocals. To make this happen, he traveled all the way from overseas, highlighting the effort behind such a high-profile performance.

Now, after a brief respite, Swims has kicked off the Oceania portion of his tour, with his inaugural show rocking Qudos Bank Arena just last night. The tour will continue across Australia and New Zealand, giving fans more chances to experience his dynamic live energy. His love for Australia and its iconic music scene was evident even before the NRL gig; in a spot on the Today Show prior to the event, Swims hinted at his plans, calling AC/DC 'one of my favourite groups ever' and expressing excitement about honoring them. 'I know people are going to lose their minds,' he predicted, and it seems he was spot on.

But let's pause for a moment—here's where things could spark some debate: Is covering a rock anthem like 'T.N.T.' at a family-oriented sports event like the NRL Grand Final the right move, or does it risk overshadowing the game's cultural roots? Some might argue it's a bold tribute that energizes the crowd, while others could see it as an attempt to appeal to younger audiences at the expense of tradition. What do you think—does this blend of genres enhance the experience, or should sports entertainment stick to the classics? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Teddy Swims' Emotional NRL Grand Final Performance: A Home Away from Home (2025)

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