Delta Goodrem and Simple Minds Belt Out Classics at 2026 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony

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Music icons Simple Minds and Delta Goodrem infused the closing gala of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with unmistakable pop-rock brilliance on Sunday, August 2.

Sydney’s own superstar, Goodrem, prolonged Australia’s golden streak by treating the audience to her timeless 2003 breakthrough hit, “Born To Try,” from her acclaimed debut album Innocent Eyes. She also commanded the stage at The OVO Hydro, escorting the competing athletes inward with a dynamic medley of her biggest chart-toppers.

The celebrated songstress delivered a tour de force of soaring anthems, showcasing “Eclipse”—her striking entry from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest—alongside her fierce, brand-new single, “Warrior.”

“Glasgow,” Goodrem reflected in an emotional Instagram post. “What a magnificent way to wrap up the 2026 Commonwealth Games by honoring these extraordinary athletes, their unwavering resilience, and immense heart. Sport and music truly possess a unique power to unite us all. Sharing such a poignant moment singing ‘Warrior’ for everyone in attendance was deeply special.”

Bringing the house down, Goodrem joined forces with Scottish talent Cammy Barnes for a powerful tribute to John Farnham’s beloved classic, “You’re the Voice”—widely regarded as Australia’s unofficial national anthem.

This memorable appearance marks a Commonwealth Games hattrick for Goodrem, who previously performed at the prestigious multi-sport festival in Melbourne (2006) and on the Gold Coast (2018).

Through her stellar closing performance, Goodrem mirrored her country’s athletic dominance. Australia comfortably clinched the top spot on the medals table with an impressive 70 gold medals, significantly outpacing England (29) and Canada (19).

The pop icon is currently riding a massive wave of career momentum. Fresh off a stellar fourth-place finish at Eurovision, she is gearing up to release Pure on November 6. Distributed via Better Now Records/Electrola in partnership with Universal Music, the project marks her first independent album release. It serves as the anticipated follow-up to her 2021 ARIA Chart-topping record, Bridge Over Troubled Dreams, which was issued via Sony Music.

Meanwhile, Glasgow’s own legendary rockers Simple Minds brought the spectacular Commonwealth Games showcase to a thrilling climax with two defining anthems from their mid-1980s heyday: “Alive and Kicking” and “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, and company are preparing to celebrate five decades of musical excellence on their upcoming V Tour, kicking off in February 2027 with a major arena tour across Australia and New Zealand.

Additional performances by Sandi Thom, Shereen Cutkelvin, Elephant Sessions, and Bemz enriched the closing event, formally concluding the vibrant 11-day multi-sport celebration. Notably, the host nation outperformed expectations during the tournament, capturing 13 gold medals to secure fifth place overall ahead of New Zealand, Nigeria, and Jamaica.

The Commonwealth Games continue to unite exceptional competitors from across the Commonwealth of Nations, representing England and upwards of 70 former British Empire territories globally.

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