Tones And I out of NRL Grand Final pre-show after scheduling talks fail

Tones And I will not perform in the pre-show at the NRL Grand Final after talks ended over a scheduling conflict.

The decider is set for Sunday, Oct. 4 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. The singer will not appear in the entertainment slot that opens the day, with her team and the league both confirming that no deal was reached.

Her team at Lemon Tree Management said she was recently approached to play the pre-show, with an offer presented via management on Sept. 5, according to Billboard. Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing.

The reason was diary pressure. She already had a prior commitment with Macklemore in America, and her team said they explored all avenues to make the NRL appearance work alongside it. No agreement could be found.

The league will not book a replacement act. Instead, the NRL will funnel that budget towards sports programs for underprivileged children. Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys put the cost associated with Grand Final entertainment at roughly A$1 million.

V'landys said he wishes Tones And I well after the pre-match talks fell through, according to the ABC. Her management representative was named as Regan Lethbridge by Nine.

For fans, this means a quieter build-up. Grand Final day usually pairs the match with a short live set before kick-off, a slot watched by a stadium crowd and a large television audience.

The decision leaves the league with a saving to redirect and the singer with her US dates intact. The NRL has not announced any change to the rest of its match-day schedule for Oct. 4.