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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘Singapore-exclusive' concerts are the way forward, while we still have the upper hand
The strategy of Singapore-exclusive shows by international superstars could fuel the country's aspirations of being a global entertainment epicentre. PHOTO: HOONG QI HAO/ @QHVENTURES News analysis 'Singapore-exclusive' concerts are the way forward, while we still have the upper hand SINGAPORE - In the snaking lines for Lady Gaga merchandise in the Singapore Sports Hub's foyer two weeks ago, one could hear a smattering of Tagalog and Vietnamese, Thai and Hindi, and mainland Chinese Mandarin among the chatter. It was a smorgasbord sampling of fans from Asia and beyond, who had descended on Singapore for Lady Gaga's only shows in the region at the National Stadium from May 18 to 24. If they wanted to see Gaga in the flesh in this part of the world – on a brand-new tour that had been performed in only three other cities – they had to come to Singapore. As with Taylor Swift's runaway success of sold-out shows in March 2024, the Republic had once again managed to work out a deal making sure that the artiste played only here. Besides the economic boost, this strategy of Singapore-exclusive shows by international superstars could fuel the country's aspirations of being a global entertainment epicentre – and is one that should be pursued for as long as possible. Slower uptake, but optimistic signs from Gaga concerts In March 2024, pop star Swift held six sold-out concerts at the National Stadium – a series of shows that were later revealed to have been secured by Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM), which runs the Sports Hub, and a team led by then Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong. Swift set a high bar, with six shows that sold over 300,000 tickets. Paired with British band Coldplay's six shows in January 2024, private-sector estimates said the two shows injected up to $450 million into the Singapore economy, bringing in high international visitor arrivals, high hotel occupancy rates and tourism revenue. Lady Gaga's shows were expected to draw over 200,000 local and international fans, according to KASM. But it appeared that tickets took longer to sell. Up until the week of the concert, checks by The Straits Times showed there were still unsold tickets. When asked, concert promoter Live Nation did not confirm if all four shows were sold out, nor how many tickets were sold. Any tangible impact on the economy at large will be seen only when the numbers are crunched in the coming months, but early signs are optimistic. Many hotels and food and beverage and nightlife establishments in town, and the Central Business District area especially, saw brisk business. Marriott International, which has almost 20 properties in Singapore ranging from hotels for budget-conscious travellers to luxury hotels, saw an increase in occupancy and revenue during Gaga concert week. 'The third day of the concert, May 21, saw the highest uplift in revenue per available room, of more than 70 per cent over the same time last year,' said a spokesperson. Other hotels like Swissotel The Stamford told ST that it saw a 'double-digit percentage increase in revenue driven by both higher occupancy and average rate across the complex'. There was high demand from countries such as China, Thailand and Hong Kong, said a spokesperson, adding that 'much of this business materialised at the last minute, with bookings made within the same month'. For some, like nightlife venue Restroom, these were the first signs of life for business in a slow 2025 so far. The bar, which hosted Lady Gaga-themed after-parties and hired local drag queens to perform, had snaking queues every night, and saw revenue double during the week of the concerts. Co-founder Keith Tan hired 50 per cent more staff to cope with the sheer volume of visitors who came from Taiwan, Vietnam, Europe and the US. 'It was not just concertgoers who came for drinks after the concerts ended at around 10.30pm... these are also tourists who typically stay (in Singapore for) a few days before or after the day of the concert they have tickets for,' said Mr Tan. However, others like cocktail bar Night Hawk said the rise in business during the week of the Gaga concerts was far less pronounced than when Coldplay and Taylor Swift were in town in 2024. Paradoxically, tourism experts say the climate of global economic uncertainty could encourage spending on such one-off events. Associate Professor Kuan-Huei Lee , director of programmes, business, communication and design at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), said: 'During periods of crisis and economic uncertainty, individuals may increase their spending on emotional or aspirational goods and experiences that they perceive as 'once-in-a-lifetime' events, such as a Lady Gaga concert.' Proven formula, but can it be repeated? Lady Gaga's recent run of shows is the second time in two years that a major international act has chosen Singapore as its only regional stop. However, pulling off such 'once-in-a-lifetime' events on a regular basis could be a challenge. Not only is it contingent on mega artistes' touring schedules and attracting them to Singapore, but other countries in the region could also emulate the Republic's strategy. However, observers agree that Singapore is well placed to keep the momentum going. Several key factors make it a preferred choice in the region, noted tourism expert Benjamin Cassim, senior lecturer for hospitality and tourism management at Temasek Polytechnic. This includes the availability of hospitality and tourism infrastructure for travelling artists, their teams and visitors attending the concerts, as well as venues with a proven track record that are equipped to deliver in terms of size and technical support. Accessibility is another element, including the ease of getting to Singapore, and travelling within it safely, with an efficient public transport system that is close to venues. Mr Cassim noted that the Republic has already established itself as a premier entertainment and sports events destination, not just within the Asia-Pacific region, but also globally. 'A major catalyst for this transformation is probably the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix event, that Singapore started hosting in 2008,' he said. The F1 Singapore GP's consistently stacked and high-quality off-track entertainment line-ups – with concerts by A-listers from Queen and Shakira, to Ariana Grande and Green Day, built around the marquee race event – have been a template that has since been imitated by other F1 races around the world. 'The more concert and entertainment events Singapore hosts, the more experience the relevant stakeholders get at honing their craft,' said Mr Cassim. 'This increases our levels of expertise to successfully deliver top-notch events.' For concert promoters as well, Singapore is a reliable choice, though it is the most expensive in the region. It costs about 25 per cent to 30 per cent more to stage a concert here, compared with other countries in the region such as Seoul, Bangkok and Jakarta, noted Mr Zaran Vachha, co-founder of independent touring company Collective Minds. 'Bringing someone like Lady Gaga here costs millions of dollars, and at that level, they don't want things to go wrong,' said Mr Vachha. 'And in the region, despite it being the most expensive, Singapore is the least risky place to do that – in terms of everything from securing venues, licensing, approvals and visas (for artists and crew), to (ensuring) ticket demand. 'It's a safety net for both promoters and artists.' Securing the next big fish While Singapore has a first-mover advantage in this space, and the ability to make it happen again, it should pursue this 'Singapore-exclusive' strategy for as long as it can before others catch up. 'Replicating Singapore's advantages as a tourist destination is challenging,' said SIT's Prof Lee, noting that organising such events involves well-oiled coordination between the public and private sectors such as the Government, venue operators, lodging and logistics. He added: 'As neighbouring countries continue to lag behind in competing with Singapore up to now, it is crucial for Singapore to secure exclusive agreements. 'These should align with fan travel patterns, capitalise on logistical strengths, integrate additional activities for tourists to enjoy outside the concert, and closely observe emerging competitors in the region to adapt and adjust.' In 2024, Singapore hit a record $29.8 billion in tourism receipts, driven largely by visitors from markets such as China, Indonesia and Australia, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Between January and September 2024, tourism receipts showed that spending grew across all categories, led by the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming category, which increased by 25 per cent to $4.6 billion. STB's outlook for 2025 is even more bullish, with expectations of receiving 17 million to 18.5 million international visitors, bringing in $29 billion to $30.5 billion in tourism receipts, surpassing 2024's numbers. After 2024's sold-out shows by Taylor Swift and 2025's run of shows by Lady Gaga, perhaps Singapore should angle for its next big fish in 2026. With such marquee concert events in the year attracting top tourism eyeballs and dollars, and with Singapore shifting priorities to quality tourism instead of quantity in terms of visitor numbers, the Republic must strike while the iron is hot – and continue on its rodeo run to lasso the highest stratosphere of superstars in the world. There is a very limited list of such stars, and one Beyonce Knowles Carter – currently on her reportedly 94 per cent sold-out run of Cowboy Carter shows around the US and Europe for 2025 – happens to be on it. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Lady Gaga Show in Singapore: Little Monsters' guide to travel planning, buying tickets, concert guidelines, and everything in between
Photo: Singapore Sports Hub The Singapore Sports Hub is thrilled to welcome Lady Gaga – also known as Mother Monster – to the National Stadium for four exciting nights this May. The international artists will be performing on May 18, 19, 21, and 24 in her only Asia stop, and fans from all over the region are expected to fill the stadium. For everyone to have a fun and safe experience, 'Little Monsters' are encouraged to follow Sports Hub's official social media pages for updates, and be sure to take note of this important information: Travel light During the event, make sure to only bring what you need to make security checks easier and faster. If possible, do not bring any bags at all! (Fun fact: You can use the express queue if you go bagless!) Here is a partial list of the items that you should not bring: – All cameras (including digital, video, Polaroid, and film) – All glassware and glass bottles – Flags, placards, and banners with offensive slogans, political messages, or advertisements – Bags exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 30cm – Fan boards exceeding A3 size (42cm x 29.7cm) – Soft toys exceeding A4 size (21cm x 29.7cm) – Binoculars exceeding A5 size (14.8cm x 21cm) Take Public Transport and Arrive Early at the Venue Expect heavy traffic for big events like this, so it is best to take public transportation and arrive early at the stadium. Please take note that parking is limited at the venue, so it is better to come early, relax, and grab something to eat before the show starts. Here's what you need to know if you're going to take public transport: Taxi/Private Hire: Drop-off points at Stadium Drive and Kallang Wave Mall Bus: Bus Stop No. 80219 and 80211 – Services 10, 14, 16, 70, 196 Bus Stop No. 80199 – Service 11 MRT: Sports Hub is conveniently located near different MRT lines, including: – Circle Line: Stadium MRT Station (CC6) – East-West Line: Kallang MRT Station (EW10) – Thomson-East Coast Line: Tanjong Rhu MRT Station (TE23) Here is more information about directions and dining options for your reference. Buy original tickets and official merchandise from authorized sellers only Make sure to buy your tickets and official Lady Gaga merchandise from trusted sellers to avoid being scammed. Tickets bought through Ticketmaster, Klook, or KrisFlyer will only be accepted. You may be denied entry and won't get a refund if you buy resale tickets from unofficial sellers. The Official merchandise booths will be located at: – OCBC Square – National Stadium Gate 2 – Inside the stadium concourse at Gate 3 and Gate 21 (for Level 1 and Level 3 ticket holders) Do not queue overnight. Kindly check the event guide for booth opening days and times. Make time to activate your global credentials on Ticketmaster You can activate your global credentials on your Ticketmaster account before the event day. By doing this step, you can access your tickets before the show. Check out Ticketmaster's guide for the instructions. Follow concert etiquette and guidelines For a memorable and safe experience, we encourage you to stay in your section, always be considerate and respectful to your fellow fans, your clothes, costumes, or signs must not block the view of other guests, and cooperate with event staff if needed. For more details about the event, here is the event guide. Have a fun and unforgettable night, Little Monsters!
South China Morning Post
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
First Taylor Swift, now Lady Gaga – Singapore builds on ‘blockbuster 2024'
American pop icon Lady Gaga will perform four shows in Singapore in May during her only stop in Asia, the city state's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong has revealed. Advertisement This comes after Singapore last year reportedly brokered a US$2 million to US$3 million deal for Taylor Swift to perform six shows in exchange for keeping the concerts exclusive to Singapore in Southeast Asia, drawing criticism in the region, including from then Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin. This Week in Asia has contacted Tong's ministry, the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Sports Hub to ask if a similar deal was made for Lady Gaga. Tong on Monday said in a social media post: 'We have had a blockbuster 2024 with an incredible lineup of some of the most popular global artists performing at our Sports Hub.' He added that the team at Kallang Alive Sport Management, the corporate entity established by his ministry, was 'always on the hunt and proactively hustling to bring the best sporting and lifestyle events into the Sports Hub'. Advertisement The singer will hold the concerts at the Singapore National Stadium on May 18, 19, 21 and 24. Ticket sales start on March 18 with several presales on offer. Lady Gaga released her seventh studio album, Mayhem, on Friday. She last performed in Singapore in 2012 for her Born This Way Ball Tour.
