Millions Compete for Tickets as Taylor Swift’s Only Southeast Asia Stop in Singapore Draws Massive Demand
Qayyum Lukman triumphantly secured tickets to witness pop sensation Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated performance in Singapore, her exclusive show in Southeast Asia next year, after enduring a 36-hour wait in line at a kiosk. Lukman will join 300,000 fervent fans, known as “Swifties,” for one of the six shows scheduled in the city-state during Swift’s acclaimed “Eras Tour” in March.
Overwhelmed with joy, Lukman expressed his elation, saying, “I feel great, I’m stressed out, oh my God, I’m just overwhelmed! I don’t know what to think, indescribable, I’m very happy I got tickets! Yeah, woohoo!”
However, numerous Swifties across the region, which boasts a population of over half a billion, were unable to secure tickets due to the surge in post-pandemic demand for concerts and entertainment. This increased demand has led to a rise in ticket prices, leading some economists to dub it “Swiftflation.”
UOB bank credit cardholders were given preferential access, resulting in a 45% surge in daily credit card applications in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam after Swift announced her concert dates, according to media reports.
Friski Riana, a 31-year-old fan from Indonesia, joined virtual queues alongside millions of others in an attempt to purchase tickets, even resorting to borrowing her friend’s credit card. “I waited for three hours, but I failed to get a ticket,” Friski lamented.
Shortly after the pre-sale ended, ticket resellers were marking up tickets originally priced at S$358 ($264.73) to at least S$1,000 on the Carousell marketplace app.
Last month, British band Coldplay experienced a similar overwhelming demand, prompting LiveNation Singapore to add three extra nights in Singapore, in addition to their scheduled performances in Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur in the coming months.
Amidst the ticket frenzy surrounding Taylor Swift’s concert this week, Singapore’s central bank fielded inquiries about whether such events would contribute to inflation concerns. The Business Times also reported a surge in flight and hotel prices during the week of “Taytay’s” performance on the island.
Pita Limjareonrat, Thailand’s leading candidate for prime minister, showcased his “Swiftie” credentials by inviting the singer to visit Bangkok, where she had canceled a performance in 2014 due to a coup. Taking to Twitter, he said, “Do come, and I’ll be singing Lavender Haze with you!” referring to a track from Swift’s album released earlier this year.