Grammy-winning US artist Macy Gray is rumored to be the headline pre-game act for the NFL season opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in September. The R&B and soul singer, known for her hit 'I Try', is expected to perform ahead of the marquee game between the San Francisco 49ers and the LA Rams, according to Melbourne radio host and former AFL star Brendan Fevola.
Fevola's Revelation
Fevola, co-host of the Fifi, Fev and Nick show on 101.9 The FOX, revealed during a regular segment called 'Fev's DMs' that he received an anonymous message from someone 'involved in the MCG' suggesting Gray would headline the September 11 spectacle. 'I've just been told that Macy Gray will perform at the MCG for the opening of the NFL season,' Fevola said on air.
The rumor coincides with Gray's announcement of a 21-show Australian tour, which includes a date at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on September 11. Gray won a Grammy in 2001 for 'I Try', which reached number one in Australia and New Zealand in 1999.
Reactions and Controversy
Fevola's co-host, Fifi, questioned whether Gray was a big enough artist for the event, which is expected to draw a capacity crowd. 'It's OK. I just think you'd get a bigger star,' she said. Fevola defended Gray, noting her fame in America and her appearance on The Masked Singer Australia. Co-host Nick sarcastically remarked, 'Oh yeah, just gets you in the mood for gridiron! It's got me all fired up for the NFL.'
Gray, 58, was a contestant on The Masked Singer Australia in 2021, performing as 'Atlantis'. She made headlines when she refused to leave the show after being voted off. Comedian Dave Hughes recounted the incident on his radio show, saying, 'Macy Gray had such passion for The Masked Singer Australia that when she was told that she had to leave the show, she refused to leave. She said 'No, I'm continuing in the show' and there had to be a discussion which went for quite a while.' Hughes added that Gray was gracious on air but insisted on staying off air.
The NFL game at the MCG is set to be a major event, with the San Francisco 49ers facing the LA Rams. Gray's potential performance adds to the excitement, though official confirmation is still pending.
