Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, has declined an invitation to perform at the upcoming National Rugby League (NRL) grand final, stirring speculation about the reasons behind the cancellation. Reports emerged this week after the artist reportedly turned down an offer that NRL chief executive Peter V’landys valued at approximately $90,000 per minute of performance.
The NRL revealed negotiations with the singer ended due to what they described as “artistic differences.” V’landys said the decision to forgo pre-game entertainment entirely was deliberate, with the $1 million budget redirected to grassroots junior rugby league programs. He indicated that paying for a brief performance was not justifiable given the financial outlay.
The situation sparked discussion about Tones and I’s relationship with her hit single “Dance Monkey,” which topped the ARIA charts for 24 weeks but has consistently drawn mixed feelings from the singer. In previous interviews, she expressed strong dislike for the song, even saying she often does not want to perform it. Some sources speculated this may have contributed to the cancellation, though her management denied those claims.
Regan Lethbridge of Lemon Tree Music, managing Tones and I, stated they were contacted about the event only on September 5, three weeks prior to the grand final, and that no formal agreement had been reached. Lethbridge added the artist had a prior commitment in the United States with fellow musician Macklemore, making scheduling difficult.
The NRL, however, disputed these assertions. A spokesperson confirmed that discussions had started well before early September and rejected the explanation that late notice or scheduling conflicts were the reasons for the withdrawal. While not explicitly confirming the link, the league said the artist’s team indicated she would not perform “Dance Monkey.”
Tones and I and her label did not respond to follow-up requests for clarification. On social media, the singer recently announced a series of live shows scheduled for March 2027, noting that she would be performing all her songs. The purported prior commitment with Macklemore remains vague, though the two have collaborated musically and maintain a public friendship, with no confirmed joint appearances in the near term.
With no replacement act forthcoming, V’landys maintained that fans would attend regardless of the absence of pre-game entertainment. In a social media post, Tones and I suggested several alternative Australian artists who might be suitable to perform, including G Flip, Kaiit, Budjerah, Ruel, Baker Boy, and Miss Kannina. Meanwhile, former NRL player Shannon Noll also expressed interest in taking the slot.
The full details of the discussions between Tones and I and the NRL remain undisclosed, leaving open the possibility that a combination of creative differences and scheduling conflicts influenced the outcome. The grand final will proceed without a live musical performance, with the league focusing attention and resources on supporting grassroots rugby league.