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Vanessa Amorosi rounds out the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival Entertainment Schedule

10 October 2026 • Written by VRC

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is delighted to announce that Australian music icon Vanessa Amorosi will headline The Elms Live Stage presented by Maccas on Crown Oaks Day, Thursday 5 November, completing the star-studded entertainment lineup for the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Vanessa will bring her signature powerhouse vocals and high-energy stage presence to Flemington, performing chart-topping hits including Absolutely Everybody, Shine, Have a Look and Perfect. Her performance will take place after the last race on Crown Oaks Day, with access included in the price of a General Admission ticket.

With more than two decades of global success, Vanessa Amorosi remains one of Australia’s most celebrated vocalists. Her debut album The Power achieved multi-platinum status, she has earned ARIA nominations, international acclaim, and is renowned for her dynamic live performances across some of the world’s biggest stages. Vanessa’s extraordinary vocal range and enduring catalogue have cemented her as one of Australia’s most influential contemporary artists.

Vanessa Amorosi joins an extraordinary entertainment lineup across Cup Week, which includes UK pop star Jess Glynne on Howden Victoria Derby Day, global music icon Robbie Williams on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and DJ phenomenon FISHER, who will close the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival with his Off the Rails party after the final race on TAB Champions Stakes Day. Robbie Williams will deliver not one but two major moments on Cup Day — an explosive post-race set on The Elms Live Stage presented by Maccas and a high-energy live performance in the Mounting Yard as part of the Nine Broadcast, amplifying the crowd ahead of the arrival of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy just moments before the race that stops a nation®. Together, these artists form a world-class program of headline talent that will energise Flemington across all four days of the Carnival.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said Vanessa Amorosi’s performance at Flemington will bring incredible energy to the Carnival’s entertainment program.

“Vanessa Amorosi is an exceptional addition to Crown Oaks Day and brings incredible strength to our world-class entertainment lineup for Cup Week. With Jess Glynne igniting Howden Victoria Derby Day, Robbie Williams lighting up Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and FISHER delivering an unforgettable set on TAB Champions Stakes Day, Vanessa’s iconic hits and powerhouse vocals will further elevate Crown Oaks Day and deliver an incredible experience for our racegoers.

Vanessa Amorosi said she is thrilled to be returning to Flemington to perform at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“I’m so excited to be part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and to perform on Crown Oaks Day. I can’t wait to bring all the energy, all the hits and an incredible live show to Flemington — it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”

Located at the end of the Flemington straight, The Elms precinct is home not only to internationally acclaimed music artists but also to an iconic selection of food and beverage offerings, creating the ultimate entertainment destination and a buzzing social atmosphere. Racegoers can further elevate their experience by securing a ticket to the Smirnoff Sky Deck, positioned in the heart of The Elms precinct, which offers premium track views and an unrivalled vantage point of the headline entertainment. With a private bar, dynamic atmosphere and uninterrupted sightlines from the first race to the post-race party, it’s the ultimate way to take in the colour, energy and excitement of Cup Week.

Alongside the Smirnoff Sky Deck and Smirnoff Bar, The Elms precinct will come alive with a curated selection of food trucks and bespoke beverage bars, creating a lively social hub throughout Cup Week. Racegoers can explore flavours from Lanken Tucker, Byte My Assets, Salt & Pepa and Mr Baller, while Carlton Draught’s Tank Bar, McCafe Refresher & Energiser Bar, Mr Black Bar, Casamigos Bar and the Red Bull Bar deliver a diverse mix of drinks to suit every moment of the day. Together, they round out The Elms as one of the Carnival’s most dynamic destinations for world-class entertainment with incredible trackside views.

Megan Robinson, State Marketing Manager, South East Region, McDonald’s Australia, said, “The Elms Live Stage was a standout last year, and we’re thrilled to return with an even bigger program for 2026. With four huge days of entertainment including Jess Glynne, Robbie Williams, Vanessa Amorosi and FISHER closing out the Carnival with his Off the Rails party, we’re building on that momentum and creating experiences people genuinely want to be part of.”

“From the international acts, the atmosphere across Cup Week, and that unmistakable Macca’s feel-good spirit, the Elms Live Stage is a place where everyone feels part of the energy. We can’t wait to bring that to life again this year.” Ms Robinson said.

Vanessa will also perform at the Crown Oaks Club Lunch on Wednesday 4 November at Crown Melbourne, adding star power to one of Cup Week’s most beloved traditions and a highlight of Melbourne’s social and sporting calendar.

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