Home Entertainment Taylor Swift’s Exclusivе Dеals Ig𝚗itе Co𝚗trоvеrsy Amo𝚗g Asian Natio𝚗s: Philippinеs and Thailand Criticizе Singapоrе’s Allеged $3M Pеr Shоw Agrееme𝚗t

Taylor Swift’s Exclusivе Dеals Ig𝚗itе Co𝚗trоvеrsy Amo𝚗g Asian Natio𝚗s: Philippinеs and Thailand Criticizе Singapоrе’s Allеged $3M Pеr Shоw Agrееme𝚗t

Entertainment — 03/04/2024

Exclusive Singapore Show Sparks Regional Dispute Over Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Taylor Swift was allegedly paid millions so that Singapore would be her only tour stop in Southeast Asia

The global popularity of Taylor Swift has triggered a diplomatic showdown among neighboring countries as Singapore secures an exclusive hold on her Eras Tour. Politicians in the Philippines and Thailand are voicing concerns over a deal made by Singapore, restricting Swift’s Southeast Asia tour to the affluent city-state.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the Singaporean deal makes sense as he has long wondered why Swift has slighted Thailand

Swift, currently in the midst of a successful six-show run in Singapore, received a grant for her performances but is limited to this single stop in Southeast Asia. Singapore allegedly brokered a deal that prevents Swift from performing in other regional territories, banking on Swifties flocking to Singapore.

Filipino lawmaker Joey Salceda said the Singaporean government's deal with Swift was a betrayal by a government meant to be working alongside other regional powers

The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, revealed at the iBusiness Forum 2024 in Bangkok that Singapore offered Swift up to $3 million per show for exclusive Eras Tour rights, prompting criticism from Thai and Filipino politicians. Joey Salceda from the Philippines is protesting the grant, emphasizing the betrayal among regional allies.

Singapore's tourism board and culture ministry did not disclose the amount of the grant, but referred to the economic benefits brought by Swift's concerts around the world

Thavisin commended Singapore’s strategic move but expressed disappointment that Swift did not choose to perform in Thailand, suggesting potential economic benefits. Despite the controversy, Swift’s shows in Singapore are anticipated to boost the local economy, with six sold-out nights at the 55,000-seat National Stadium.

Fans of Swift flock from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to Singapore for Swift's Eras Tour stop

Singapore’s tourism board and culture ministry did not disclоse the grant amount but emphasized the economic benefits of Swift’s concerts worldwide. The government has not commented on the exclusivity clause, and AEG confirms that Swift’s sole Southeast Asia concert will be in Singapore, with VIP tickets priced at S$1,228 (AUD$1,395).

Swift is performing at Singapore's National Stadium from March 2 to March 9

Swift’s broader Asian tour included a performance in Tokyo in February, while her Singapore concerts span from March 2 to March 9, attracting over 300,000 fans. During the shows, Swift unveiled details about her upcoming album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ set to release on April 19.

Over 300,000 tickets were sold to fans who waited overnight in the tropical heat

In a touching moment during her first Eras Tour Singapore performance, Swift shared personal stories about her family’s connection to the country, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform for the generous people of Singapore.

The 34-year-old singer revealed the final version of her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, will include a bonus track titled The Black Dog.

In front of over 50,000 fans for her second night at the Singapore National Stadium, she unveiled the fourth and final version of her forthcoming album ¿ which will be released on April 19