Tones and I’s team says NRL grand final offer was never accepted

Tones and I’s management says the singer could not accept an offer to perform at the NRL Grand Final because of a prior commitment in the United States.

The statement follows a report claiming the October 4 performance fell through because Tones and I would not commit to singing ‘Dance Monkey’. Her management did not address that claim.

“An offer was presented to Tones via management on September 5th,” the team said in a statement to Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

“Tones had a prior commitment with Macklemore in America and explored all avenues to make it work. Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing.

“Due to the last-minute nature and prior commitments by Tones, we were unable to accept the offer.”

NRL redirects performance budget

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said on Tuesday the NRL would direct the proposed $90,000 performance fee to junior rugby league. 

“I’d prefer to spend [the money] on getting 2000 or 3000 kids who couldn’t afford to play rugby league to be able to play rugby league now.

“Rather than giving a performer $90,000 a minute, we would prefer to give it to grassroots,” V’landys said.

“We believe that the entertainment is our game. It’s more the media that put themselves into a frenzy who we get as performer. But when you look at it realistically for 11 minutes, it’s not worth it. People will come to the game with or without it. We believe the money is better spent on junior rugby league.”

Tones and I has not publicly addressed the negotiations. 

On Tuesday evening, she shared images of Australian artists including G Flip, Baker Boy, Miss Kannina, Budjerah, Ruel and Kaiit on Instagram, writing: “Some artists that deserve opportunities. Not even scratching the [surface] of how many incredible artists we have in this country.”

The decision would leave the NRL without the kind of headline act it booked for last year’s grand final, when Teddy Swims performed. 

The article first appeared on Rolling Stone ANZ.