‘Pretty Daunting’: Cody Simpson Is Ready to Tackle the Australian Anthem at NFL Game In Melbourne
Australian singer Cody Simpson will perform the national anthem before the NFL's first regular-season game on Australian soil, a Los Angeles Rams versus San Francisco 49ers clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, 10 September. Speaking to The Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy, the 29-year-old admitted to feeling nervous ahead of the appearance, describing the packed MCG as "pretty daunting", though he is no stranger to major sporting occasions.
More than 100,000 spectators are expected at the venue, with Simpson following the same approach he has used at previous high-profile events, including the 2024 AFL Grand Final, the 2022 Melbourne Cup and the 2016 Australia Day NBA fixture. He also praised the Jonas Brothers, who are performing the half-time show. Simpson, who has had five Billboard 200 entries and won Commonwealth Games swimming gold in 2022, called the occasion a "cracking" moment for Australian interest in American sport. Kick-off is scheduled for 8.35pm local time on Thursday.
- Cody Simpson to sing Australian anthem at first NFL game in Melbourne
- Rams face 49ers at MCG on Thursday, 10 September
- Jonas Brothers to headline half-time show
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Cody Simpson is an Australian singer-songwriter and former teen pop star who has built a long career in music, including several Billboard 200 chart entries, and later reinvented himself as a competitive swimmer, reaching the Commonwealth Games and winning gold in 2022. He has become a familiar face at big Australian sporting occasions, having previously sung at events such as the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup.
The wider context is the NFL's push to grow American football's audience outside the United States by staging official matches abroad. This week's fixture between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground marks the league's first regular-season game held in Australia, drawing a crowd of over 100,000 and a half-time performance from the Jonas Brothers.
Simpson has been chosen to sing the Australian national anthem before kick-off, a ceremonial role at major sporting events that typically goes to a well-known local performer. His involvement reflects both his standing as an Australian public figure and the significance organisers are placing on the occasion as American sport expands its presence in Australia.