Liputan6.com, Jakarta In May 2025, Lady Gaga's sold-out concert at Singapore's National Stadium generated a significant spike in tourism revenue, with estimates ranging from US$100 million to US$150 million.
This huge economic boost further cemented Singapore's reputation as Asia's premier concert destination.
When Lady Gaga performed at the National Stadium on May 18, 19, 21, and 24, it generated impressive ticket sales of US$40.8 million (S$52 million), attracting 193,000 visitors.
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While the revenue from Gaga's performances is still lower than Taylor Swift's and Coldplay's US$350 million to US$500 million by 2024, it still makes a significant contribution to the local economy, particularly in the tourism and entertainment sectors.
Half of Taylor Swift's concert revenue
Reporting from travelandtourworld, Maybank Economist Brian Lee speculated that tourism receipts associated with Lady Gaga's concert may range between US$100 million and US$150 million, noting that this figure is almost half of the revenue earned from Taylor Swift's concert earlier in the year.
These receipts reflect not only direct revenue from ticket sales but also a substantial increase in international traveler spending, from accommodation and food to shopping and entertainment services.
In total, Lady Gaga grossed US$40.8 million from her four shows at Singapore's National Stadium, averaging US$13 million per night. These figures show the popularity of her music, but also reflect a slight difference when compared to other superstar concerts.
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in March 2024, for example, generated over $100 million in revenue in Singapore alone. However, while demand for Swift's concerts was huge, with every show selling out, Gaga's concerts did not sell out as quickly, and unsold tickets were still available up until the week of the concert.
The influx of Lady Gaga concertgoers contributes to the broader trend of Singapore's growing reputation as a global concert destination. Associate Professor Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin of the Singapore Institute of Technology emphasized that the economic boost from these mega-concerts contributes to a virtuous cycle: successful events attract more top-tier performers, who in turn, attract more international visitors, reinforcing Singapore's image as a vibrant cultural and entertainment capital.
The global entertainment sector has long viewed Singapore as a vital hub for concerts and events in the Asian market. Past performances by major artists such as Coldplay, BTS, and Taylor Swift have helped position Singapore as a regional entertainment leader. Lady Gaga's performance is another step forward in the ongoing transformation of Singapore's entertainment sector.
How Does Lady Gaga's Concert Compare to Taylor Swift's Success in Singapore?
While Lady Gaga's concerts may have attracted significant attention and created an economic impact, the tourism boost from her shows paled in comparison to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Lady Gaga's Mayhem Tour was her first major concert series in Singapore following the release of her Mayhem album, which was just released. In contrast, Taylor Swift's March 2024 show benefited from the peak popularity of her Eras Tour, which had been months in the making, attracting a large global fan base and ensuring tickets were sold out almost entirely.
Lady Gaga, meanwhile, while her fan base remains loyal, the timing of her visit may have affected the overall increase in tourism compared to Swift's sold-out concert earlier in the year. However, her concerts add to Singapore's vibrant live entertainment calendar, and her performances are instrumental in maintaining Singapore's reputation as a hub for international performers.
Experts predict that while Singapore's entertainment scene will continue to thrive, major concerts such as those by Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga may be on the wane by the end of 2025. Given the economic uncertainties and fierce competition for slots in the touring schedules of global superstars, the second half of the year may see fewer such big events compared to previous months.
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