AFL dumps Idols

AUSTRALIAN Idol finalists have been punted from the AFL grand final entertainment line-up.

It is only the second time in the five year history of the televised talent competition that its singers have been overlooked for the pre-game show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A Network Ten spokeswoman confirmed the AFL's decision not to include the Australian Idol finalists, claiming the game wanted to "boost'' its pre-match entertainment.

"My understanding is that they wanted bigger name international acts who may even help flog the game overseas,'' the spokeswoman told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I've been told that Jet and Rogue Traders will perform and that they're pushing to get Delta Goodrem to sing the national anthem.''

The spokeswoman denied rumours that the Idol finalists were upset at not being able to perform at the iconic MCG, before an estimated crowd of 90,000 people.

"No, they're all excited that they get to perform in Federation Square on the Wednesday before the Grand Final, so they'll still be performing to a crowd of tens of thousands.''

Persistent music industry rumours suggest that US popstar Kelly Clarkson, who jets into the country only a day before the grand final, will also perform.

Ironically enough, Clarkson is a former American Idol winner.

While an AFL spokesman would not discuss the reasons for dropping the Australian Idol finalists, he confirmed that Jet will perform before the match.