Laneway Festival’s Sydney leg delivered one of the most unexpected crossover moments of 2026 when U.S. singer-songwriter Role Model invited members of The Wiggles onstage during his set.
A Surprise Collaboration
Midway through his performance of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” Role Model welcomed Tsehay Hawkins (Yellow Wiggle), Lucia Field (Blue Wiggle), and original member Jeff Fatt (Purple Wiggle) to join him. The trio danced alongside the artist as the crowd erupted in cheers. Footage of the collaboration quickly spread across social media, with triple j sharing clips that drew widespread fan reaction. The playful energy of The Wiggles combined with Role Model’s indie-pop vibe created a moment that blended nostalgia with contemporary music.
A Rotating Tradition
Role Model has turned “Sally” into a rotating live collaboration moment across recent performances. At the Auckland launch of Laneway 2026, New Zealand artist BENEE joined him onstage, marking a reunion after their 2024 collaboration “notice me.” Last year, Charli XCX appeared with Role Model during his Saturday Night Live debut, a performance that generated significant online buzz. The Sydney cameo continued this tradition of surprise guests, keeping fans guessing who might appear next.
Laneway Festival’s Milestone Year
The Sydney show was part of Laneway Festival’s 21st anniversary Australian run, which opened with back-to-back sold-out dates on the Gold Coast and Sydney. Organizers Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio confirmed both shows sold out completely, thanking fans and artists for their support. This year’s lineup is headlined by Chappell Roan, with performances from PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Gigi Perez, BENEE, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and more. The festival continues this week with stops in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with limited tickets remaining.
Fan Speculation
With Role Model’s rotating “Sally” tradition, fans are already speculating online about who might join him onstage at upcoming shows. The Wiggles cameo set a high bar, blending childhood icons with festival energy in a way that few expected. Laneway Festival 2026 wraps later this month, but Role Model’s Sydney set will likely remain one of its most talked-about highlights.
