Taylor Swift Pronounces Perfect Portuguese During Sold-Out Eras Tour in Lisbon
Bom trabalho, Taylor Swift!
On May 24 and 25th, 2024, the pop superstar brought her highly acclaimed Eras Tour to Lisbon, Portugal, performing two sold-out shows at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, each hosting a capacity crowd of 65,000 enthusiastic fans. The atmosphere was electric. Swift captivated the audience with her music and impressive knowledge of the Portuguese language.
As the crowd roared in anticipation, Swift greeted them warmly with "Muito Obrigada," (translation: "thank you very much"), expressing her gratitude and setting the tone for a memorable night.
However, the start of the first show faced some challenges.
According to USA Today, Paramore’s opening set was delayed due to large crowds outside the stadium and a lack of adequate security.
Despite these initial hiccups, the night unfolded beautifully.
During her performance of “Champagne Problems” on the first night, Swift noticed some fans struggling in the crowd. In a display of genuine concern, she paused her performance to call out “Ajuda por favor,” ("help, please"), requesting security to assist those in need, a prominent reminder of her dedication to her fans' safety and well-being.
Later that same night, she repeated the plea, “Ajuda por favor,” during her song, “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” ensuring that everyone could enjoy the concert safely.
A Historic First in Lisbon
This marked Swift’s first performance in Lisbon. After visiting, Swift had only one regret:
“My first time in Portugal and you all made me feel like I was right at home," she wrote. “And we absolutely should have come to Portugal on every single tour. This is not a mistake I’ll ever be making again. We are always going to come to see you.”
Surprise Songs and Emotional Highlights
Each night in Lisbon featured unique and surprise song performances that left fans in awe.
On the first night, Swift performed a trio of songs on guitar: “Come Back Be Here,” “The Way I Loved You” and “The Other Side of the Door.” She followed with “Fresh Out the Slammer” and “High Infidelity” on piano. The second night included a guitar mashup of “Tortured Poets Department” and “Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version)” and a piano mashup of “You’re On Your Own Kid” and “Long Live.”
A particularly shocking and delightful moment for fans was the first live performance of “The Way I Loved You” from Fearless (Taylor’s Version) on the Eras Tour. This rare treat added an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable concert experience.
On the second night, an emotional highlight occurred when Swift finished “Champagne Problems.” The house lights came on, revealing a standing ovation that lasted for more than three minutes, visibly moving the star.
This outpouring of love and admiration underscored the deep connection between Swift and her Portuguese fans.
Looking Ahead: The Eras Tour Continues
After two unforgettable nights in Lisbon, Swift is set to continue her Eras Tour at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on May 29 and 30. Fans in Lisbon will undoubtedly hold onto the memories of Swift's heartfelt performances and her perfect Portuguese phrases, eagerly anticipating her promise to return on future tours.
In these two remarkable nights, Swift not only showcased her musical prowess but also her genuine connection with fans worldwide, proving once again why she remains a beloved global superstar.
Lastly, if I could kindly speak on behalf of the SouthCoast Portuguese community: Obrigada, Ms. Swift!
Additional Reporting by Marissa Lynn