Swift replacement no hit with fans
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?"
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.
Who needs @taylorswift13 ‘s shit when we have John Paul Young performing at the #MelbourneCup2019
— Kirk Heberle (@KirkHebs10) November 5, 2019
Wowser John Paul young #classic #loveisintheair #MelbourneCup
— Chels D (@cheldab_) November 5, 2019
From Taylor Swift performing to John Paul Young singing Love is in the Air.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) November 5, 2019
Has there ever been a bigger downgrade? 😂
(Do love this song though)#MelbourneCup2019 #MelbourneCup
John Paul Young producing the worst miming performance of all time.
— Matt Nicholls (@mattnicholls29) November 5, 2019
Is this the #MelbourneCup2019 or Carols by Candlelight?
— rob scott (@haikubobb) November 5, 2019
John Paul Young was a bold choice to replace Taylor Swift #MelbourneCup
— Jarrod Woolley (@jmwoolley) November 5, 2019
