The highly sought-after concert series of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in Singapore is proving to be a lucrative venture for the city-state. Tourists and fans are eagerly visiting, boosting the economy through increased bookings for flights, hotels, and souvenir purchases. However, not everyone is pleased, as Swift’s exclusive deal with local officials has left her neighbors discontented. This agreement designates Singapore as the sole Southeast Asian venue for her Eras Tour.
Ms Swift’s rival pop acts from around the region are being shut out of the concerts, which have drawn thousands of fans from across the world. A backlash is growing among her concert-goers and politicians over the arrangement. Ms. Swift herself has been relatively quiet on the controversy. Still, her upcoming film, a documentary called Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, is expected to reignite the furor over the exclusivity clause.
The movie is set to be released on November 4, a day after the conclusion of Ms Swift’s final show at SoFi Stadium and a few weeks before the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It will bypass the studios and be released directly to theaters, a strategy that is drawing criticism from some observers for circumventing the usual producer-distributor-exhibitor model.
Directed by Joseph Kahn and starring Ms Swift, the documentary has been billed as a tribute to the star’s long career and a celebration of Singapore, where she has become a celebrity ambassador. Ms Swift’s unique appeal is primarily fueled by her ability to connect with young girls, and she brings that charm to her live performances.
Those lucky enough to get concert tickets can expect a sensory overload, with elaborate sets, backdrops, and costumes by Ms Swift’s designers, dancers, and other performers. The music will be a mix of old and new material, with each segment marking a different period in the singer’s 18-year-old career—a “musical journey of her most beloved eras,” as described by Ms Swift.
Ms. Swift’s fans have seized the opportunity to celebrate their love for her, dressing up in everything from glitter to florals, tulle, and many accessories, all of which she has encouraged on her social media platforms. The concert has been a lesson in self-love for some and a reminder that there is no right or wrong way to express yourself, as Ms Swift has shown on many occasions.
The six shows are sold out, and fans from other parts of Asia have already snapped up a few ticket packages, including hotel stays. Flights to Singapore are selling fast, too, with airline companies such as Singapore Airlines and Scoot reporting a 30% spike in demand.
