Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Proposes Transforming Iconic Jesus Statue to Honor Taylor Swift Fans

Eduardo Paes, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, is orchestrating a grand tribute to Taylor Swift, aligning with her upcoming Brazil Eras Tour concerts. In a vivid display of enthusiasm, Paes, aged 53, took to social media on November 12. 

His post? A fan account’s artistic vision of Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue donned in Swift’s famous Junior Jewels shirt, a staple from her “You Belong With Me” music video.

Responding through X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Paes expressed his intent to transform this imaginative proposal into reality. “Dear @taylorswift13 fans. I’m embarking on a quest to consult Father Omar, the mastermind behind the statue’s projections, to see if we can bestow this honor,” he penned.

However, Paes quickly clarified his limitations in this endeavor, humorously drawing parallels with another pop icon, Beyoncé. “While I navigate this unique request, remember, City Hall doesn’t dictate police activities,” he elucidated. 

He likened demanding police action from him to attending Swift’s concert and expecting to hear ‘Single Ladies.’

Swift, 33, is scheduled to grace Rio de Janeiro’s Estádio Nilton Santos for a trio of performances from November 17 to 19. Following this, she will enchant audiences at São Paulo’s Allianz Parque with three shows starting November 24.

Rio de Janeiro’s Grand Tribute to Taylor Swift

The Eras Tour, a chronological odyssey through Swift’s ten musical epochs, began in March and has been a resounding triumph. 

Este Haim, Danielle Haim, Alana Haim, and Laura Dern, all-stars from Swift’s “Bejeweled” video, were spotted among throngs of fans at the tour’s inaugural in Glendale, Arizona.

After her Brazilian stint, Swift will continue her global journey, touching down in Asia, Europe, and Australia before circling back to North America in October 2024.

Forbes, in mid-October, proclaimed Swift’s Eras Tour as 2023’s Top Earning Summer Concert Tour, with its 56 U.S. shows amassing $780 million. Riding on this wave of success, Swift announced the tour’s cinematic debut in August.

“The Eras Tour has electrified my life, and I’m thrilled to bring this experience to the big screen,” Swift shared on Instagram, alongside a trailer. “Starting October 13, join the cinematic celebration at North American theaters. 

Tickets are at amctheaters.com. Come in Eras attire, with friendship bracelets, ready to sing and dance… 1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk).”

The film’s release saw a box office bonanza, with AMC reporting a domestic earning of $92.8 million and an additional $30.7 million internationally.

In a landmark announcement post-release, Bloomberg declared Swift a billionaire, with a net worth of $1.1 billion, attributing her success to a blend of musical talent, strategic marketing, and perfect timing.