Tones and I, the Australian singer behind the global hit "Dance Monkey," reportedly turned down a lucrative offer to perform at the NRL grand final, sparking a debate about artistic integrity versus financial reward. The offer, estimated at $90,000 per minute for an 11-minute set, was allegedly rejected due to the singer's dislike of her own song.
The NRL Grand Final Offer: A $1 Million Decision
According to NRL boss Peter V'landys, negotiations broke down due to "artistic differences." V'landys stated that the league preferred to allocate the $1 million to junior rugby league instead. "Rather than giving a performer $90,000 a minute, we would prefer to give it to grassroots," he said. The grand final will now proceed without pre-game entertainment.
Why Does Tones and I Dislike "Dance Monkey"?
Tones and I, whose real name is Toni Watson, has publicly expressed her disdain for "Dance Monkey." In a 2022 interview, she said she "loathes" the song and often doesn't want to perform it. This sentiment is ironic given the song's massive success, spending 24 weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA charts.
The Pressure of a Mega-Hit
For many artists, a signature song can become both a blessing and a curse. While it brings fame and fortune, it can also overshadow their other work and become a burden to perform repeatedly.
Comparing the Numbers: Tones and I vs. Other Artists
To put the $90,000 per minute figure into perspective, here's a comparison with other high-profile performances:

| Artist | Event | Reported Fee | Per Minute (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tones and I | NRL Grand Final | $1 million | $90,000 |
| Katy Perry | Super Bowl Halftime | $0 (exposure only) | $0 |
| Beyoncé | Coachella | $8 million | $66,000 |
| Taylor Swift | Private Event | $1.5 million | $100,000 |
As seen, fees vary widely, and some artists perform for exposure rather than direct payment.
Key Takeaways
- Tones and I reportedly rejected $90,000 per minute to perform at the NRL grand final.
- The singer has publicly stated she dislikes her hit song "Dance Monkey."
- The NRL will redirect the $1 million to junior rugby league programs.
- The incident highlights the tension between artistic integrity and commercial pressures.
FAQ
Did Tones and I really turn down $90,000 a minute?
While the exact figure hasn't been confirmed, NRL boss Peter V'landys mentioned $90,000 per minute as the estimated rate for an 11-minute performance. Tones and I's management has not denied the rejection, but the reason remains unclear.
Why does Tones and I hate "Dance Monkey"?
In a 2022 interview, Tones and I said she "loathes" the song and often doesn't want to sing it. This could be due to the pressure of performing the same hit repeatedly or feeling that it overshadows her other work.
What will the NRL do with the $1 million?
The NRL plans to invest the $1 million in junior rugby league programs, supporting grassroots development.
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