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Melbourne Cup fans question replacement act choices after Taylor Swift’s withdrawal

Racing fans have taken to social media to question the replacements for international star Taylor Swift after local acts dominated the entertainment on Melbourne Cup day.

John Paul Young performed at the Melbourne Cup before the main race.
John Paul Young performed at the Melbourne Cup before the main race.

The Melbourne Cup has struggled to shake off the absence of Taylor Swift as fans questioned the local acts chosen to replace the international music star.

Australian singers John Paul Young and Mahalia Barnes performed pre-race at Flemington.

Swift was due to sing at the Melbourne Cup but withdrew in September due to tour commitments.

Fans were quick to lament the replacement acts on social media, with Lachlan McKirdy saying: “Has there ever been a bigger downgrade?”

Rob Scott added: “Is this the Melbourne Cup or Carols by Candlelight?”

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Jarrod Woolley said Young was a “bold choice” to replace Swift, signing his 1978 hit Love is in the Air.

However, some racing fans welcomed the change, with Olympia Kwitowski saying she was “stoked” Young was chosen to perform.

Australian Idol runner-up Anthony Callea sung the national anthem and a choir was part of the pre-race entertainment.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/melbourne-cup-fans-question-replacement-act-choices-after-taylor-swifts-withdrawal/news-story/0335cca0a4ddc41d90e0f1b0bc1d6f3d