Taylor Swift has made her mark on Southeast Asia, specifically in Singapore, where all six of her sold-out shows are taking place. Singapore, being the wealthiest nation in the region, is hosting Ms. Swift’s Eras Tour, which has been a soft power victory and a boost for the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Despite the disappointment of many fans in the region, the shows have sparked diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries like Thailand and the Philippines.
Last month, Thailand’s Prime Minister claimed that Singapore paid Ms. Swift up to $3 million per show under the condition that she would not perform anywhere else in Southeast Asia. This led to criticism from a lawmaker in the Philippines, questioning the neighborly behavior of such a deal.
In response, Singapore defended the exclusivity deal, stating that the actual value was not as high as claimed. The country’s former ambassador dismissed the criticism as “sour grapes,” and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong clarified that the deal was not diplomatically unfriendly.
Despite the diplomatic discussions, fans remain disappointed. Many, like Sherin Nya Tamara from Jakarta, Indonesia, who has been a fan of Taylor Swift since 2011, hoped for additional tour dates but were left out. The controversy surrounding the Singapore shows amidst serious regional issues has brought a sense of rivalry and jealousy among Southeast Asian countries.
Ms. Swift’s concerts in Singapore have garnered attention not only for their entertainment value but also for the geopolitical implications of the exclusivity deal. The deal, which reportedly prevented Ms. Swift from performing elsewhere in Southeast Asia, raised eyebrows and criticism from neighboring countries.
The regional backlash over the exclusivity deal has stirred debates and discussions. Singapore’s grant to Ms. Swift, the exact value of which was not disclosed, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the country. While some have made peace with the limited tour dates in the region, others, like Jose Bunachita from the Philippines, feel that the experience would have been more enjoyable with more fellow Filipino fans in attendance.
Sui-Lee Wee contributed reporting.
