Taylor Swift allowed her good friend and support act Sabrina Carpenter to have a moment in the spotlight at her Sydney show on Friday night. Swift’s first Sydney concert got off to a late start on the night after storms and rain caused Accor stadium to be temporarily evacuated.
This led to the set for support act Carpenter being cancelled, before Swift finally took the stage a little over 20 minutes after the scheduled start time of 7.30pm. Taylor ensured that Sabrina still got a show by inviting her on stage for the pair to perform a cover of White Horse together, mashed up with Coney Island.
‘My incredibly talented, wonderful, gorgeous, hilarious, genius opening act Sabrina Carpenter!’ Taylor said in introducing the 24-year-old American singer.
‘She heroically sacrificed her show which I think is a crime against Sydney and I think it needs to be fixed!’ Swift was proudly watched by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who caused a roar from the crowd as he arrived to proudly view his pop star lover do what she does best.
Wild weather lashing Sydney on Friday evening caused chaos for the 80,000 Swifties heading to her first show of the Eras Tour in the city. Fans sitting on the floor and lower bowl levels of the stadium were asked to move inside after lightning struck just 10 kilometres away shortly before 6pm.
A statement from Accor Stadium issued just before 6pm told concert-goers the three-hour show had been delayed. ‘Please note, due to weather, show start time has been delayed,’ it said. ‘Stay undercover until further notice and follow venue screens and staff instructions.
‘Stay safe and remember to be kind to those around you.’ Swift took to the stage at about 7.50pm, while her support act Sabrina Carpenter was axed for Friday night’s performance.