Taylor Swift Cancels Melbourne Cup Performance

Just nine days after being confirmed as this year's A-list guest performer at the Melbourne Cup, American superstar Taylor Swift has cancelled the show.

Promoters Mushroom Events today advised the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) that an overseas schedule change has left the singer unable to attend the annual horse racing event.

In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Mushroom's Michael Gudinski explained, “Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup. 

"Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here. 

"To all of Taylor’s fans, we hope to see Taylor in Australia in 2020.”

VRC CEO Neil Wilson added: “Obviously, this is disappointing for everyone. We understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly.”

Swift had come under a lot of pressure to withdraw from the event, with the hashtag #NupToTheCup trending within hours of the initial announcement after the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses led a social media campaign against the appearance.