In a thrilling announcement, Mayor Eduardo Paes of Rio de Janeiro confirmed on Thursday morning that a projection honoring Taylor Swift will adorn the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The news, posted on X, was met with excitement from local “Swifties” and fans around the world.
Leonardo Ulths De Carvalho, a 21-year-old publicist from Brazil, played a significant role in sparking the idea. He created a Photoshop image featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue donning a “Junior Jewels” T-shirt, reminiscent of Swift’s“You Belong With Me” music video.
Mayor Paes expressed his enthusiasm for the tribute, referring to Taylor Swift as the “Michael Jackson of modern times” and likening her to Madonna.
In a translated message to Swift fans, Mayor Paes stated, “Tonight, Christ the Redeemer will honor her presence. She is the Michael Jackson of modern times and, for me, Madonna. Welcome, Taylor Swift. And stay happy, Swifties. Thanks!”
Swifties are daydreaming
De Carvalho shared his disbelief, stating, “It’s something we’ve been wishing for a long, long time. It’s finally happening, and it’s crazy.”
Projections on the Christ the Redeemer statue are considered a symbol of respect in Brazil, with historical instances like the projection of a football uniform celebrating Clube de Regatas do Flamengo’s victory in the Copa Libertadores de Amrica in 2019.
Taylor Swift, set to land in Brazil on Thursday afternoon, is scheduled to perform three shows at the Estdio Olmpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend.
It remains to be decided which image will receive Swift
After the stir that “Tay Tay” and her boyfriend Travis Kelce caused in Buenos Aires last week, the potential projection of her iconic “You Belong With Me” T-shirt on the Christ the Redeemer statue adds an extra layer of excitement to her Brazilian tour stop.
Fans initiated the proposal through a rendered image of the projection idea, and Mayor Paes acknowledged the fan-driven enthusiasm. The decision on which image will be projected remains uncertain, but the “Junior Jewels” T-shirt is a strong contender.
Swift fans, known as Swifties, are eagerly anticipating the unique tribute to the global pop sensation as she continues her Eras Tour in Rio de Janeiro.