Delta Goodrem will take Rugby League’s showpiece to the “top of the world” in Melbourne on Wednesday night as she headlines the entertainment for the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series opener at Etihad Stadium.
The Australian singer-songwriter, who has been at the forefront of Australia’s television phenomenon “The Voice”, will perform her platinum single “Sitting on Top of the World” as well as the hit song “In This Life” to a packed house prior to kick-off.
NRL General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, Mr Paul Kind, said it was a coup for Rugby League fans to have Delta bring together two of the biggest entertainment events of the year.
“’The Voice’ has captured the imagination of the nation and Delta has played a lead role in its success,” Mr Kind said.
“Origin is a ratings juggernaut in its own right that goes beyond sport. This match is certain to be one of the most watched television events of the year.
“We are thrilled to have Delta perform in front of a passionate crowd of over 53,000 who will pack into Etihad Stadium. It is going to be a fantastic atmosphere.”
Delta is scheduled to perform at 7.43pm, with the much-anticipated clash between the NSW VB Blues and QLD XXXX Maroons kicking off at 8.10pm after the curtain-raiser between the under 16 state teams at 6.10pm.
"Sitting on Top of The World" is the first sample from Delta's forthcoming new album, her fourth studio album and the long-awaited follow-up to 2007's multi-platinum chart-topper “Delta”.
Delta won’t be the only female star, with 11-year-old Victorian Caitlin Marks performing the national anthem just before kick-off, on the eve of her appearance ” in the ever-popular Broadway musical “Annie”.
Caitlin is one of three girls who will play the role of “Annie” during the musical’s 12-week season at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from Thursday (24 May).
“Annie” boasts an all-star cast including Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney, Julie Goodwin and Chloe Dallimore.
2012 marks 35 years since the musical, based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, opened on Broadway and it is the third “Annie” to tour in Australia, with previous productions in 1978 and 2000.
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