The NRL has reportedly contacted Teddy Swims as fears swirl the American artist will be forced to pull out of the NRL Grand Final pre-game entertainment show.
The Grammy Award-winning performer has been forced to cancel shows in Hawaii after walking off stage in the middle of a performance on Friday.
Swims shared a message with Instagram followers to say he has been forced to step away after doctors advised him not to continue singing.
The announcement leaves Swims racing the clock to be cleared to sing at Accor Stadium on Sunday before the Broncos-Storm blockbuster.
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“I need a little time to recover before I can give you the show you deserve,” Swims posted on Instagram.
“I can’t wait until I’m back and able to sing for you again.”
He also posted: “I hate to disappoint you and truly apologise for letting you down.
“Thank you for your love, patience and understanding.
The Daily Telegraph first reported the NRL still expects Swims to perform on Sunday.
The singer/songwriter was a popular choice among many fans when the league announced he will headline the pre-game show earlier this month.
NRL supremo Peter V’landys also proudly spruiked the headline act after the AFL confirmed rapper Snoop Dogg would headline the rival code’s Grand Final, won by the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
“We saw what the FLA (sic AFL) got – what’s he called, Labrador or Poodle,” V’landys told The Today Show on the Nine Network.
“I’m not sure – all I know is that it is a dog act. So we had to get better than that. We actually got a vocalist. None of this doof, doof stuff. This bloke can actually sing.”
Swims has more than eight million followers on Instagram alone while music veteran Snoop Dogg has 88 million.
V’landys confirmed Swims would help promote the season launch in Las Vegas.
“He is just a global act,” V’landys said.
“He has billions of downloads. He is also going to promote the game in America. He is going to get it out on social media about our Las Vegas game. He is very popular. It will beat the poodle.”
Swims, most well known for his nine-time platinum song ‘Lose Control’ – which holds the record for longest Hot 100 run in history, earlier this month said he was pumped to be given the opportunity to play on the big stage ahead of the Grand Final.
“I am so excited to be performing at the 2025 NRL Grand Final! Australia has always been a second home to me.
“Every time I am there I am overwhelmed by how welcoming the people are, I fall more in love with the culture, and just everything about it.
“So, to be welcomed to perform one of the biggest nights in Australia is a huge honour.”
The 32-year-old is still expected to perform 12 arena shows across both Australia and New Zealand and will be accompanied by Aussie artist Matt Corby, when the Tour begins on October 14.
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