Pop business
Dispute over Taylor Swift’s exclusive deal with Singapore
Taylor Swift is performing six sold-out concerts in the economic metropolis of Singapore. photo
© Danish Ravi/Zuma Press/dpa
Megastar Taylor Swift is currently causing a sensation in Singapore with her spectacular “The Eras Tour”. But the Southeast Asian neighbors are left behind – because of a mega deal.
The US megastar will be a guest until Saturday Taylor Swift for a series of sold-out concerts in the economic metropolis of Singapore. It will be the only country in Southeast Asia where the 34-year-old will stop off on her gigantic “The Eras Tour” – the government of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has made sure of this. Because it has concluded a lucrative exclusive contract with Swift, which means that all neighboring countries are at a disadvantage.
“The global live concert industry is booming,” commented the Singaporean newspaper “Straits Times” on the controversial deal on Wednesday. “It’s no wonder courting the biggest stars is a competitive business.” The government has not made public how much money is involved.
CNN quoted a Philippine lawmaker as saying such a move was “not something good neighbors do.” However, Prime Minister Lee rejected criticism that the agreement undermined the spirit of cooperation within the Southeast Asian community of states, Asean.
Taylor Swift is an economic factor
“An agreement was reached and it turned out to be a very successful agreement,” he told reporters during a visit to Australia. “I don’t see that as unfriendly. Sometimes one country makes a deal, sometimes another country does.” According to him, the money came from a fund to rebuild tourism after the corona pandemic.
“It’s not often that an artist can have an impact on an entire economy, but that’s the case with American superstar Taylor Swift,” the Straits Times wrote last week. Around 300,000 fans were reportedly expected to attend the six shows at the city-state’s National Stadium – 70 percent are traveling from other countries in the region.
These foreign guests would bring millions of euros into Singapore’s coffers through their stay, it was said, citing economic researchers. But what the star does off stage in Singapore is even more important – because it will leave a lasting impression on her more than 500 million followers on social networks.
The US artist has been touring since March 2023. In the summer she will also be coming to Germany for some sold-out dates. With her “Eras” tour, Swift attracts millions of fans worldwide and breaks records.