American singer Teddy Swims was the main pre-game act for the 2025 NRL Grand Final, and he put on a show that got everyone talking. The performance left fans divided, with many loving his incredible voice and energy, while others were simply unfamiliar with the artist. Stepping onto the stage at Accor Stadium, Swims delivered a powerful set that included one of Australia's most beloved rock anthems.
Who is Teddy Swims?
For those asking "who is this guy?" during the broadcast, Teddy Swims is a Grammy Award-winning artist from the United States. His real name is Jaten Dimsdale, and he first gained attention by posting soulful cover songs on YouTube. His unique stage name is a twist on his real name: "Teddy" is a childhood nickname that stuck, and "Swims" comes from reversing the letters of his last name, Dimsdale.
He is best known for his massive hit song "Lose Control," which spent a record-breaking amount of time on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His music style blends pop, soul, and R&B, which is why his choice to cover a hard-rock classic like AC/DC was such a surprising and memorable moment for the Grand Final audience.
What Songs Were in the Grand Final Setlist?
Teddy Swims performed a short but powerful set of four songs to fire up the packed stadium before the Storm and Broncos blockbuster game.
He kicked things off with "Bad Dreams," a popular track from his latest album.
He then followed with his song "The Door."
The biggest moment of the set came next when the opening chords of AC/DC's "TNT" blasted through the speakers. Swims channeled his "inner Aussie," throwing his blue checkered jacket to the turf and smashing out the iconic pub anthem with passion and power.
He wrapped up his performance with his nine-time platinum mega-hit, "Lose Control," getting the crowd singing along.
How Did Fans React to the Performance?
As with almost any pre-game entertainment, the reaction on social media was a mix of praise and confusion.
Many fans who were unfamiliar with Swims took to social media to question who he was. This is a common reaction when an international artist performs at a major Australian sporting event. However, the overall response was overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers were won over by his vocal talent and stage presence.
Fans online shared comments like, "Teddy Swims is pretty awesome!!" and "Teddy Swims is smashing this AC/DC cover." Another fan noted, "Not heard of Teddy Swims before. But what a voice! And he looks tough too. For a Grand Final." Several even compared him favorably to past entertainers, with one person posting, "Teddy Swims is way better than Snoop Dogg as grand final entertainment."
The performance of "TNT" seemed to be a key turning point, helping him connect with the Australian audience by paying respect to a homegrown rock legend.
What Was the Bizarre Airport Moment?
Before the big game, Teddy Swims caused a bit of a stir with a quirky moment at the Sydney airport. As he walked through the terminal, he was all smiles. Then, in a bizarre and funny act, he lifted his hoodie to reveal his heavily tattooed stomach.
He didn't stop there. He then stuck his finger into his belly button. This strange move was actually a way to show off his unique tattoo. He has a bear inked on his stomach, and the bear's mouth is perfectly placed so that his belly button acts as the bear's open mouth. It was a lighthearted, weird moment that showed off his playful personality before his major performance.
Was the Performance a Success?
While some fans were initially unsure, the general consensus is that Teddy Swims' performance was a success. His primary job was to energize the crowd and provide entertainment before one of Australia's biggest sporting events, and he accomplished that. By blending his own soulful hits with a powerful tribute to AC/DC, he showcased his vocal range and won over a large portion of the audience.
The fact that people are still talking about it shows that he made an impact. Introducing a new artist to a massive audience always comes with a period of discovery for the fans. In this case, Teddy Swims' talent seemed to be strong enough to turn many of those initial questions into new fans. His performance proved that good music and genuine energy can bridge the gap, even for an audience hearing an artist for the very first time.
Read Also : Drake Maye claims the Bills couldn’t stop the Patriots — is he right?
Paula Parente
American singer Teddy Swims was the main pre-game act for the 2025 NRL Grand Final, and he put on a show that got everyone talking. The performance left fans divided, with many loving his incredible voice and energy, while others were simply unfamiliar with the artist. Stepping onto the stage at Accor Stadium, Swims delivered a powerful set that included one of Australia's most beloved rock anthems.
Who is Teddy Swims?
For those asking "who is this guy?" during the broadcast, Teddy Swims is a Grammy Award-winning artist from the United States. His real name is Jaten Dimsdale, and he first gained attention by posting soulful cover songs on YouTube. His unique stage name is a twist on his real name: "Teddy" is a childhood nickname that stuck, and "Swims" comes from reversing the letters of his last name, Dimsdale.
He is best known for his massive hit song "Lose Control," which spent a record-breaking amount of time on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His music style blends pop, soul, and R&B, which is why his choice to cover a hard-rock classic like AC/DC was such a surprising and memorable moment for the Grand Final audience.
What Songs Were in the Grand Final Setlist?
Teddy Swims performed a short but powerful set of four songs to fire up the packed stadium before the Storm and Broncos blockbuster game.
He kicked things off with "Bad Dreams," a popular track from his latest album.
He then followed with his song "The Door."
The biggest moment of the set came next when the opening chords of AC/DC's "TNT" blasted through the speakers. Swims channeled his "inner Aussie," throwing his blue checkered jacket to the turf and smashing out the iconic pub anthem with passion and power.
He wrapped up his performance with his nine-time platinum mega-hit, "Lose Control," getting the crowd singing along.
How Did Fans React to the Performance?
As with almost any pre-game entertainment, the reaction on social media was a mix of praise and confusion.
Many fans who were unfamiliar with Swims took to social media to question who he was. This is a common reaction when an international artist performs at a major Australian sporting event. However, the overall response was overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers were won over by his vocal talent and stage presence.
Fans online shared comments like, "Teddy Swims is pretty awesome!!" and "Teddy Swims is smashing this AC/DC cover." Another fan noted, "Not heard of Teddy Swims before. But what a voice! And he looks tough too. For a Grand Final." Several even compared him favorably to past entertainers, with one person posting, "Teddy Swims is way better than Snoop Dogg as grand final entertainment."
The performance of "TNT" seemed to be a key turning point, helping him connect with the Australian audience by paying respect to a homegrown rock legend.
What Was the Bizarre Airport Moment?
Before the big game, Teddy Swims caused a bit of a stir with a quirky moment at the Sydney airport. As he walked through the terminal, he was all smiles. Then, in a bizarre and funny act, he lifted his hoodie to reveal his heavily tattooed stomach.
He didn't stop there. He then stuck his finger into his belly button. This strange move was actually a way to show off his unique tattoo. He has a bear inked on his stomach, and the bear's mouth is perfectly placed so that his belly button acts as the bear's open mouth. It was a lighthearted, weird moment that showed off his playful personality before his major performance.
Was the Performance a Success?
While some fans were initially unsure, the general consensus is that Teddy Swims' performance was a success. His primary job was to energize the crowd and provide entertainment before one of Australia's biggest sporting events, and he accomplished that. By blending his own soulful hits with a powerful tribute to AC/DC, he showcased his vocal range and won over a large portion of the audience.
The fact that people are still talking about it shows that he made an impact. Introducing a new artist to a massive audience always comes with a period of discovery for the fans. In this case, Teddy Swims' talent seemed to be strong enough to turn many of those initial questions into new fans. His performance proved that good music and genuine energy can bridge the gap, even for an audience hearing an artist for the very first time.
Read Also : Drake Maye claims the Bills couldn’t stop the Patriots — is he right?