Arts and Entertainment
By Hannah Wolke, Digital Communication Manager
This summer, Swifties around the world have been in awe of all the accomplishments Taylor Swift has achieved this “Cruel Summer.” She bought back all the rights to her music, dropped new summer merch, took a break from touring and got engaged.
Unexpectedly, Swift also announced a new album that will be released on Oct. 3 called “The Life of a Showgirl.” The news sent fans of the pop star into a frenzy on social media, prompting them to analyze her album announcement for clues about what her new music would sound like.
The revelation comes on the heels of Swift releasing the album’s orange album cover, along with many alternate ones. This announcement was made on the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce.
“I’m super pumped, I’ve always loved new Taylor music,” sophomore digital innovation, film and television (DIFT) major Lauren Everling said. “How is she going to tour this, or will she tour at all?”
Swift is already taking the world by storm with the thousands of questions she brings to the table when a new album comes out. Travis Kelce gave fans further insight into her next masterpiece by revealing that his favorite track is called “Opalite.”
Swift announced that she was engaged to Kelce through an Instagram post last week.
“My initial reaction was very excited. The album’s vibe I’ve heard is supposed to be dance music, so I am excited,” Everling said.
Following the podcast episode, Swift announced her engagement to Kelce on Aug. 26, via a joint Instagram post. Many Swifties have noticed that the engagement ring features a large, cushion-cut diamond, and the proposal was described as a “flower-filled” event where she wore a Ralph Lauren dress and Louis Vuitton sandals. Swifties dissect everything. The announcement was captioned, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨,” which sparked a significant reaction from the fandom.
“I am very happy for them. I didn’t expect them to get married, but I am glad they are. I’ve always been rooting for them,” Everling said. “I think Taylor’s wedding will be in the winter, she’s a very wintery gal. It will be something timeless and vintage.”
Swift has a love for easter eggs. For example, a TikTok posted last October had “A12” in the background, hinting at Aug. 12, the day she announced the album. This is her 12th album, and the announcement came out 12 weeks after she got the rights to her music back.
At the end of an eventful summer, Swifties have begun to turn off “august” and look forward to playing “The Life of a Showgirl,” while waiting for more wedding details of their English and gym teacher to come out.
