Latest news with #BradCox
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Viewers confused as Channel Nine fails to air State of Origin fails pre-game entertainment after country singer booked for the gig was slammed by footy fans
State of Origin viewers were left scratching their heads on Wednesday night after Channel Nine failed to air the advertised pre-game entertainment. While Aussie country singer Brad Cox took the stage to entertain 80,000-plus NRL supporters at Accor Stadium, those watching the match from home just saw ads. 'How bizarre the pre-game entertainment wasn't televised… that's a shame. Brad Cox is a legend' write one person on X. 'There is a reason Channel 9 are not showing the pre-game "entertainment,"' said another. 'Can't wait to hear Brad Cox perform - said no NRL fan ever,' one more viewer chimed in online. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'The #origin pre-game horse s**t is as cringe as ever,' someone else posted. Yet another person who had tuned in at home commented 'Who?' when it was pointed out that Cox was due to perform. Cox was confirmed by the NRL as the pre-game entertainment on Tuesday, ahead of the Origin series decider in Sydney - and many footy fans were not happy. The 30-year-old is best known for his song Give Me Tonight, which has been streamed more than 12 million times on Spotify. Performing in front of 80,000-plus supporters at Accor Stadium is a career highlight for the performer from Jindabyne, NSW. But some bemused fans felt the NRL missed the mark. 'Is this random the best the NRL can do? He doesn't even have a picture on his Wikipedia page,' one bluntly posted in response to the announcement. 'Surely you could've done better?' asked another. 'How bizarre the pre-game entertainment wasn't televised… that's a shame. Brad Cox is a legend' wrote one person on X 'Ahh yes the famous Brad Cox,' added a third, sarcastically. Cox burst onto the Australian country music scene in 2018 with his self-titled debut album, earning two coveted Golden Guitar nominations. He has also promised a 'high-energy' performance. 'We are there to get fans fired up for a big game of footy, so we'll be playing accordingly,' Cox told News Corp. 'I reckon we are going to start a trend. NRL and country music go hand-in-hand, I think we'll be the first of many.'
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Fans all asking the same question about State of Origin pre-game entertainment
NRL fans have all been left asking the same thing about the State of Origin pre-game entertainment. Local country musician Brad Cox was given the honour of performing in front of the packed Accor Stadium stands on Wednesday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Unfortunately the 30-year-old from Jindabyne, NSW wasn't sighted with the musical act not being shown on the broadcast. Cox burst onto the music scene back in 2018 and promised to deliver a show that would be 'high energy, loud and obnoxious'. 'We're there to get fans fired up for a big game of footy so we'll be playing accordingly,' Cox said to The Daily Telegraph. The NRL had promoted Cox's act after announcing him a day out from the decider, but countless fans were left questioning why they weren't able to catch a glimpse of the relatively unknown country singer do his thing. One fan wrote on X: 'Was the music act that bad that they didn't play it on TV? I mean they play Sheppard most years. It can't be much worse than that.' A second added: 'How bizarre the pre game entertainment wasn't televised … that's a shame. Brad Cox is a legend.' contacted Channel 9 regarding the decision not to broadcast the pre-game act. While Cox wasn't sighted on the broadcast, the national anthem was delivered by the daugher of rugby league icon Steve Mortimer. Erin Mortimer received widespread praise for her rendition of the Australian anthem with nerves not getting the better of the musician. One viewer wrote on X: 'Erin Mortimer, well done great rendition of Advance Australia Fair, thank you.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy fans slam famous singer who's performing at State of Origin decider - 24 hours before he even starts his set
Aussie country singer Brad Cox has been confirmed by the NRL as the pre-game entertainment ahead of the Origin series decider in Sydney - and many footy fans aren't happy. Cox, 30, is best known for his song Give Me Tonight, which has been streamed more than 12 million times on Spotify. Performing in front of 80,000-plus supporters at Accor Stadium will be a career highlight for the performer from Jindabyne, NSW - but some bemused fans felt the NRL missed the mark. 'Is this random the best the NRL can do? He doesn't even have a picture on his Wikipedia page,' one bluntly posted in response to the announcement. 'Surely you could've done better?' asked another. 'Ahh yes the famous Brad Cox,' added a third, sarcastically. Popular footy page NRL Silverback slammed the decision and pointed to Cox's Wikipedia entry as proof he shouldn't have been picked (pictured) Footy fans were scathing (pictured) following the announcement that Cox will lead the pre-game entertainment on Wednesday night Cox burst onto the Australian country music scene in 2018 with his self-titled debut album, earning two coveted Golden Guitar nominations. He has also promised a 'high-energy' performance. 'We are there to get fans fired up for a big game of footy, so we'll be playing accordingly,' Cox told News Corp. 'I reckon we are going to start a trend. NRL and country music go hand-in-hand, I think we'll be the first of many.' Meanwhile, both teams aren't expected to make any late selection changes, as the Blues look to go back-to-back after winning the 2024 series. In an ominous statistic, no Queensland team dating back 45 years has lost the first game and then gone on to win the next two games away from home. Queensland coach Billy Slater has confirmed Cameron Munster will play, despite the five-eighth leaving camp to be with his family following the sudden death of his father Steven on Sunday. Daily Mail Australia will have a live blog to follow all the action online, with TV coverage on Channel Nine from 7pm.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jason Aldean Extends Full Throttle Tour to Australia and New Zealand for 2026
Jason Aldean is taking his Full Throttle Tour global. The ACM Artist of the Decade and multi-time Entertainer of the Year announced the international extension of his current tour today (July 1), revealing a run of shows in Australia and New Zealand for early 2026. The newly announced dates will mark Aldean's debut headline performance in New Zealand and his first time returning to Australia since 2016, when he became the first headliner to sell out CMC Rocks QLD. The 2026 leg kicks off February 19 at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for a mix of arena shows and festival appearances. Aldean is also set to headline the inaugural Sunburnt Country country music experience, which includes stops in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra. More from Billboard Travis Kelce Denies That He & Taylor Swift 'Seek Attention' in Public: 'We're Just Enjoying Life' Lizzo Says Beyoncé's Concert Reminded Her 'Life Is Worth Living' After Lawsuits Sent Her Into a Depression TOMORROW X TOGETHER Reveal Tracklist For 4th Studio Album, 'The Star Chapter: TOGETHER' Corey Kent will join as a special guest on all dates, while Australian country star Brad Cox will open the Sunburnt Country festival dates. Produced by Live Nation, the Full Throttle World Tour continues Aldean's global touring legacy following a massive U.S. leg that launched in May 2025 and resumes July 17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 2026 extension marks his first time headlining in New Zealand and his long-awaited return to Australia since 2016, when he became the first artist to sell out CMC Rocks QLD as a headliner. Aldean has racked up 30 No. 1 country radio hits across his career, along with over 20 million albums sold and nearly 20 billion global streams. His current single 'Whiskey Drink' marks his 30th chart-topping hit, following previous anthems like 'She's Country,' 'Amarillo Sky,' and 'Big Green Tractor.' Tickets for the newly announced Australia and New Zealand shows go on sale Monday, July 7 at 1 p.m. local time. A range of presales begin Wednesday, July 2, including Mastercard, Live Nation, and One NZ offerings, with select early access also available for Face to Face Touring members. More information, including VIP packages, is available at and AU/NZ 2026 TOUR DATES:Feb. 19 – Auckland, NZ – Spark ArenaFeb. 21 – Toowoomba, QLD – Sunburnt CountryFeb. 22 – Brisbane, QLD – Brisbane Entertainment CentreFeb. 25 – Melbourne, VIC – Rod Laver ArenaFeb. 26 – Sydney, NSW – Qudos Bank ArenaFeb. 28 – Hunter Valley, NSW – Sunburnt CountryMar. 1 – Canberra, ACT – Sunburnt Country Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Verifire Clinches Maxfield In Quick Time To Keep Record Perfect
Verifire Clinches Maxfield In Quick Time To Keep Record Perfect originally appeared on Paulick Report. Verifire sat just off the pacesetters, poked his head in front at the top of the stretch with a three-wide move and then rolled down the Churchill Downs stretch to dominate Sunday's fourth running of the $239,685 Maxfield Stakes (L) by 2¾ lengths over Smoken Wicked and remain unbeaten in three starts. Advertisement Breaking from the post No. 9 in the field of 11 3-year-olds, Verifire tracked early leaders Captain Cook and Smoken Wicked, who set fractions of :22.36 and :44.56. Midway around the turn, Verifire swept three-wide to collar the leaders and hit the top of the stretch in front. He took command with three-sixteenths of a mile to run and held the field at bay for the fast victory in 1:20.77 for seven furlongs – only 0.33 off Groupie Doll's 2012 track record of 1:20.44. Flavien Prat rode the winner for trainer Brad Cox and owner John Stewart's Resolute Racing. 'We're very proud of his effort today,' Cox said. 'He's a perfect 3-for-3 and the record speaks for itself. He was able to prove his first two races were very legitimate against a solid field this afternoon.' Previously, Verifire broke his maiden at Colonial Downs in March and won a first-level allowance at Pimlico. His three victories have been by a combined 15½ lengths. Advertisement Verifire, the 5-2 favorite, paid $7.18 for the win. Smoken Wicked, second as the 9-2 third betting choice with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle, outfinished Captain Cook by a length for second. Retribution was fourth and was followed by Speed King, Ancient World, Flood Zone, Kale's Angel, Furio, Max Got Excited and Normandy Coast. Dreaminblue and Perfect Force were scratched. Verifire is a son of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic out of the Smart Strike mare Ruby Trust. The $146,560 first prize boosted his career earnings to $223,960. He was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. The Maxfield Stakes is named in honor of Godolphin's eight-time winner. Maxfield was a two-time Grade 1 winner and won his career finale in the 2021 Clark (G1) at Churchill Downs. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
