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Macklemore Admits He Was 'Scared' Ahead Of Controversial NRL Grand Final Gig

The rapper opens up on the performance in a new interview.

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Macklemore has opened up on his performance at last month's NRL grand final, after his decision to perform equality anthem Same Love sparked a controversial debate. 

The US rapper's set, performed in front of over 80,000 in attendance and 1.37 million watching around Australia, was widely praised however there were calls for the track to be banned from the spectacle. 

In an interview with New York Post, Macklemore admitted to being "a little bit scared" in the lead-up. 

"I was checking to see what our security was like," he said.

"Some people were saying, 'He's trying to push the gay agenda,' or, 'You'll turn gay if you listen to Macklemore.'"

The controversy surrounding the topic led to Same Love charging back up to the #1 spot on iTunes, five years after its release. 

"It's a macho, gladiator sport, like football is in America," Macklemore continued.

"You're gonna piss people off, but all these moments add up to an understanding and, hopefully, change."

Macklemore is set to return to Australia in February for a headline tour; click on theGuide for more details.