CELEBRITY
Why the Singapore government struck a ‘deal’ to host Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
The Indian Express
JOURNALISM OF COURAGE
Subscribe
My Account
Home
ePaper
Cities
India
Explained
Opinion
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Politics
UPSC
Lifestyle
Tech
Investigations
Research
Videos
UPSC Pack
Premium Stories
Play Crossword
Express Shorts
🎙️ Podcast
Latest News
Health & Wellness
NewsExplainedExplained GlobalWhy the Singapore government struck a ‘deal’ to host Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Why the Singapore government struck a ‘deal’ to host Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Politicians from Thailand and the Philippines also commented on the deal, which led the American pop superstar to make only one Southeast Asian stop on her billion-dollar tour. Here’s why.
ADVERTISEMENT
Written by Rishika Singh
March 9, 2024 12:30 IST
Follow Us
Taylor Swift’s fans, or Swifties, pose for a picture at the National Stadium during Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Singapore March 2, 2024.Taylor Swift’s fans, or Swifties, pose for a picture at the National Stadium during Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Singapore March 2, 2024. (REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo)
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently defended the deal his government offered to American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, to ensure that she exclusively performed in Singapore as part of her ongoing global tour.
Called “The Eras Tour”, each concert is a nearly three-and-a-half-hour-long show that features hits from the different eras of her career. It has been making waves with the record number of sales and audiences it has attracted across the world.
Beginning in March 2023, the tour is set to go on till the end of this year. In December 2023, it grossed around $1 billion – making it the highest-grossing music tour of all time.
However, a few of Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, such as Thailand and the Philippines, have expressed their criticism of the deal. We explain why.
On Tuesday (March 5), while on a visit to Australia, the Singapore PM spoke about the issue at a press conference.
“Our agencies negotiated an arrangement with her (Swift) to come to Singapore and perform and to make Singapore her only stop in Southeast Asia. And there was a certain incentive provided to her from our Tourism DevelopmentFund, and a deal was reached,” he said.
Saying it had turned out to be a “very successful arrangement”, he added, “I don’t see that as being unfriendly.” A Philippines lawmaker named Joey Salceda had earlier demanded that his country’s government should lodge a formal protest against Singapore. He said, “This isn’t what good neighbours do”.
Last month, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also spoke about the deal. According to Singapore’s ChannelNews Asia (CNA), he said that “the Singapore government offered around $2 million to $3 million per show in exchange of exclusivity.” However, CNA added that the figure might have been the total sum paid for the six shows set to take place in the city-state in early March.
A recent statement from a spokesperson in Thavisin’s office denied that the PM’s comments were critical. “Singapore’s proposal was an approach that shows they dared to think and dared to do it, and that successfully made Taylor Swift’s team agree to have the exclusive performance in Singapore, the only country in the region. That has benefited the country,” it said.
Congratulations, Jason! Kylie Shares an Ultrasound Confirming they are expecting Child: The ultrasound shows the baby’s face and tiny heartbeat as the couple embrace in pure joy and reveals baby gender 😊
HEARTBREAKING: America is shocked as Erika Lane Frantzve, Charlie Kirk’s widow, reveals pregnancy amid tragic loss… “WHAT SHOULD I DO?”.revelation has left millions wondering how Erika will navigate the unbearable weight of loss while carrying the future of the man whose voice was silenced too soon. Whispers of uncertainty grow louder…
Patrick Mahomes Spotted at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Secret Wedding—But What’s the Real Shock? Sterling and Bronze Steal the Spotlight as Flower Girl and Ring Bearer!💍🌸👶🏽 Watch Video ⤵️
The baby girl is here! Rihanna has officially welcomed her first daughter in a moment of overwhelming joy, while A$AP Rocky broke down in tears. He leaned in, kissed Riri’s forehead, and whispered eight words that made her smile through tears: “This is the sound of happiness.”… SEE MORE HERE:
“I haven’t told our children yet… I don’t know how.” Charlie Kirk, 31, taken too soon — his wife’s shattering words have left millions in tears. In a viral interview, Erika Frantzve’s voice broke as she recalled his final call, filled with love and laughter, never knowing it would be the last.. FULL VIDEO BELOW 👇👇
“Give Me Back My Son, He’s Only 31”😭 — Grieving Father Collapses At Memorial For Charlie Kirk Outside Turning Point USA HQ In Phoenix — In an emotional scene that has left millions shaken, the father of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk fell to his knees at a temporary memorial erected outside Turning Point USA’s national headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Clutching a framed photo of his son, he cried out: “Give me back my boy… he’s only 31.” Witnesses say the anguished plea echoed through the gathering crowd, many of whom wept openly, laying flowers, candles, and handwritten notes beneath the makeshift shrine. Video of the heartbreaking moment spread rapidly across social media within hours, drawing an outpouring of grief and solidarity from across the political spectrum. “You could feel the pain in his voice—it was the sound of a father’s heart breaking,” one mourner said. 💔WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE
Prince Harry officially brought Princess Lilibet back to the palace after being assigned a “new royal duty.” The entire royal family was shocked by Lilibet’s “unusual” hairstyle… See more below
Heartbreak! Prince William rushes to the hospital to comfort his brother as Prince Harry breaks down—doctor delivers grim news 💔😭….See more ⤵️
Travis Kelce in Tears After Chiefs’ Loss to Eagles, Admits He Can’t Play Well Without Taylor Swift Cheering Him Up
“The Marriage Won’t Work Out” — Charlie Kirk’s Shameful Prediction for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Union Just Before His Demise
Simone Biles shows love for Jonathan Owens with custom jeans as Bears fall to Lions in NFL Week 2… Read More
