Taylor Swift in discussions to perform at 2019 Melbourne Cup
She’s one of the biggest names in the music industry and now global chart-topper Taylor Swift has been linked to playing at this year Melbourne’s Cup. Here’s who else could be joining her in the star-studded affair.
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Pop superstars Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabelo are in discussions to perform at the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
Promoter Michael Gudinski and the Victoria Racing Club have pitched to Swift, Mendes and Cabelo, with the global chart-toppers “interested” in singing at the horse race that stops a nation.
It would be a massive coup to land pop icon Swift, whose new album Lover is No.1 worldwide, or power couple Mendes and Cabelo, blitzing the charts with their duet, Senorita.
But Gudinski, who is in London, stressed that talks with Mendes, Cabelo and Swift are continuing and “nothing is confirmed.”
He had no further comment.
Popular Melbourne singer Vance Joy, who was a support act on Swift’s 1989 world tour, and rising stars The Teskey Brothers are also being considered as acts to perform on Cup Day.
But the pitch presented to Mendes, Cabelo and Swift includes two songs, to be performed in the mounting yard, which is broadcast to 5 million viewers locally, and 700 million worldwide.
Grammy-winning British singer Sam Smith performed in the mounting yard at the Melbourne Cup last year.
Insiders say Gudinski “delivered big” with Smith, and the VRC is keen to entice mega-talents like Swift, Mendes and Cabelo to bring superstar sizzle to the event.
“It’s a great opportunity because the Melbourne Cup is an event that is broadcast worldwide. It’s only two songs, so they’re not doing a whole show,” an insider said.
“Sam set such a great precedent, and (Swift, Mendes and Cabelo) are interested. It’s all about timing and what’s happening internationally.”
Sex symbol Mendes is touring Australia during Spring Racing Carnival, with shows at Rod Laver Arena on October 29, 30 and 31, Sydney on November 2 and 3, and Brisbane on November 6.
All that hard work has earned Mendes a day off on November 5: Melbourne Cup Day.
“The VRC runs the greatest carnival in the world,” an insider said.
“The Melbourne Cup is worth 10 times the broadcast exposure of (the British racing event) Royal Ascot.”
The VRC had no comment on its discussions with Swift, Mendes and Cabelo.
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But it said a new and improved VIP Birdcage enclosure will be modelled on Academy Awards and Met Ball Gala ideas.
Last year, a delighted Smith said he was “so excited” to perform at the Melbourne Cup.
In response to Smith’s comments, VRC CEO Neil Wilson said: “It’s only fitting we welcome one of entertainment’s biggest stars to Flemington for the celebration.
“Fans flock to the Melbourne Cup Carnival not just for the world-class racing but also the fantastic atmosphere.”
Originally published as Taylor Swift in discussions to perform at 2019 Melbourne Cup